Definition

The state of feeling sad or not content.

Example

Her unhappiness was evident when she didn't smile at the party.

Conversation

I’ve been feeling a lot of unhappiness lately, and I can’t quite figure out why.

I’m sorry to hear that. Do you want to talk about it?

Yeah, I think it might be work-related or something.

That makes sense. Sometimes our jobs can really affect our mood.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unhappiness → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "happiness" (from Middle English "hap" meaning chance or fortune, combined with the suffix "-ness" meaning the state of). The word "unhappiness" means the state of not being happy or the absence of happiness.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') combined with the 'state of being fortunate or happy' ('happiness') — that's why unhappiness means the state of not being happy.

Visually Confused Words