unhappier

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ʌnˈhæpiər/

KK: /ʌnˈhæpiər/

adjective

Definition

Feeling or showing a greater degree of sadness or dissatisfaction than usual.

Example

After hearing the bad news, she felt unhappier than before.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Comparative: unhappier

Superlative: unhappiest

Conversation

I feel like I'm getting unhappier each day at work.

Really? What’s been bothering you lately?

It's just that the tasks seem so monotonous and unchallenging.

I get that; sometimes a change is all you need to feel better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

sadder

miserable

sorrowful

Antonyms

happier

joyful

content

Root Explanation

Unhappier → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "happy" (from Old English "hap", meaning luck or fortune) and the comparative suffix "-er" (indicating a higher degree). The word "unhappier" means in a state of being not happy to a greater extent than before.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'happy' — so when someone is 'unhappier', they are not just unhappy, but even more so.

Visually Confused Words