malcontent
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈmæl.kən.tɛnt/
KK: /mælˈkɒntɛnt/
adjective
Definition
Not satisfied with the current situation or conditions; often expressing discontent or unhappiness.
Example
The malcontent employee frequently complained about the new policies at work.
Conversation
Have you noticed how malcontent everyone seems at work lately?
Yeah, it feels like there's a lot of dissatisfaction in the air.
I think it's because of the new policies they introduced.
Definitely! That could be making everyone feel more malcontent than usual.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
discontent
dissatisfied
unhappy
Antonyms
content
satisfied
pleased
noun
Definition
A person who is unhappy or dissatisfied with the way things are, often expressing their discontent or rebellion against authority or the established system.
Example
The malcontent often voiced his complaints about the government's policies at public meetings.
Conversation
I heard that Tom has been acting like a real malcontent lately.
Yeah, he seems upset about everything that’s going on.
I wonder what's bothering him so much; he used to be more positive.
Root Explanation
Malcontent → It is formed from "mal-" (meaning bad or ill) and "content" (from Latin "contentus", meaning satisfied or pleased). The word describes someone who is not satisfied or is discontented, hence a person who is unhappy or dissatisfied with the current state of affairs.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mal-' meaning bad, and 'content' meaning satisfied. This helps you remember that a malcontent is someone who is not satisfied or is unhappy.
Visually Confused Words
malintent
content