dissatisfies
|dis-sat-is-fies|
/ˌdɪsˈsætɪsfaɪ/
(dissatisfy)
cause discontent
Etymology
'dissatisfy' originates from Latin and Old French elements: from the Latin prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'not') + the word 'satisfy' (from Old French 'satisfaire' < Latin 'satisfacere'), where 'satis' meant 'enough' and 'facere' meant 'to do/make'.
'dissatisfy' developed by adding the negative prefix 'dis-' to the verb 'satisfy' (which came into English via Old French 'satisfaire' from Latin 'satisfacere'); over time the prefixed form became established in Modern English as 'dissatisfy'.
Initially related words meant 'to make enough' or 'to satisfy'; with the addition of the prefix 'dis-' the meaning shifted to 'not satisfy' or 'cause dissatisfaction', the sense used today.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
(transitive) To cause someone to feel displeasure or unhappiness; to make someone not satisfied with something.
The new schedule dissatisfies many employees who preferred the old hours.
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Verb 2
(intransitive/transitive) To fail to meet requirements, expectations, or standards; to be inadequate or unacceptable.
This proposed solution dissatisfies the project's technical requirements.
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Last updated: 2025/12/20 16:22