unsatisfied
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnsˈætɪsfˌaɪd/
US
- /ənˈsætɪsˌfaɪd/
Description
- Not pleased
- discontent
- wanting more
To be unsatisfied is to feel that something is missing or not good enough, like a puzzle with one piece gone or a craving that was not met. It is more than simply being not satisfied; it carries a feeling of disappointment or a wish for something better. Imagine baking a cake and then realizing you forgot the sugar. You would probably feel unsatisfied with the result. Or maybe you spend hours looking for the perfect gift but still feel unsatisfied when you give it, because it does not quite say what you wanted. The word can be used for needs, desires, work, results, or relationships.
"Unsatisfied" describes a state of disappointment, discontent, or lack of fulfillment. It is more than simply not being satisfied; it suggests a real feeling that something is missing or lacking. Think of a traveler who has seen many beautiful places but still feels an unsatisfied desire for adventure. They are not just neutral about their travels; they feel that something is still incomplete.
The word can be used in several contexts. You might hear of "unsatisfied customers," referring to people whose needs or expectations were not met by a product or service. Or you could describe someone as being "unsatisfied with their career," meaning they aren't finding it fulfilling. It often relates to needs and desires—an unsatisfied hunger, an unsatisfied ambition, or an unsatisfied curiosity.
However, "unsatisfied" can also be more subtle. A writer might be unsatisfied with a draft of a novel and keep revising it. An artist may feel unsatisfied until the work matches the idea they had in mind. In these cases, it is not always about something being wrong, but about feeling that it is still not enough.
Sometimes, "unsatisfied" hints at deeper issues. A person who is often unsatisfied might be dealing with emotional needs that are not being met or with expectations that are too high. It can also suggest restlessness or a general sense of unhappiness with life.
So, whether it is a simple lack of enjoyment or a more profound feeling of incompleteness, "unsatisfied" speaks to the human experience of wanting something more—and not quite having it yet.
Examples
- 1
Explanation
The manager was unsatisfied with the explanation and asked for more details.
- 2
Viewer reaction
Many viewers felt unsatisfied by the ending of the series.
Pattern
unsatisfied by + result
not convinced or pleased by it
- 3
Unanswered questions
She left the meeting unsatisfied because none of her questions were answered.
- 4
Housing demand
There is still a lot of unsatisfied demand for cheaper apartments.
Phrase
unsatisfied demand
demand that still has not been met
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unsatisfiedadjective