Disgruntled

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /dɪsˈɡɹʌntl̩d/

Definitions

1. Experiencing a sense of dissatisfaction or unhappiness, often as a result of grievances against perceived injustices or unfair circumstances
2. In a state of displeasure, typically resulting from unmet expectations or frustrations with authority figures or situations
3. Feeling a sense of discontent or annoyance caused by unfulfilled hopes or conflicts with governing bodies or environments

Etymology: The verb "disgruntle" is a surprisingly plain construction: it began as a dis- prefixed form of "gruntle," a verb meaning to grumble or complain, which itself came from the same root as "grunt," the sound a pig makes. Old English "grunnettan" meant to grunt or murmur, and over centuries the sense shifted from the animal noise to the human habit of complaining under one's breath. "Gruntle" was a Middle English and later English verb, and the English prefix dis- (from Latin "dis-," meaning apart or reversed) was attached to it to produce a word meaning to put someone out of sorts or make them discontented. The adjective "disgruntled" is simply the past participle form of that verb, with the suffix "-ed" added. So the adjective describes a person who has been made discontented, carrying the grumbling sense of the original root with it.

Synonyms: dissatisfied, discontented, unhappy, displeased, irritated

Antonyms: satisfied, content, pleased, happy, gratified