Definition

Feeling sad or not happy; experiencing unhappiness or dissatisfaction.

Example

She felt unhappy after receiving the bad news.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I heard you're feeling a bit unhappy about your job lately.

Yeah, it's just not what I expected it to be.

That's tough; it's hard to stay motivated when you're unhappy at work.

I know, but I'm trying to figure out what to do next.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unhappy → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "happy" (from Old English "hap", meaning luck or fortune). The word "unhappy" means not having luck or fortune, thus feeling sad or discontented.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'happy' — this helps you remember that 'unhappy' means not feeling happy.

Visually Confused Words