Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words (original) (raw)

unhappy

adjective

, un·hap·pi·er, un·hap·pi·est.

1. sad; miserable; wretched:
   Why is she so unhappy?
   Synonyms: distressed, cheerless, downcast, sorrowful
2. an unhappy incident.
   Synonyms: hapless
3. unfavorable; inauspicious:
   an unhappy omen.
   Synonyms: unpropitious
4. infelicitous; unsuitable:
   an unhappy choice of words.
   Synonyms: inapt, inappropriate
5. Archaic. causing trouble; reprehensible; troublesome.

/ ʌnˈhæpɪ /

adjective

1. not joyful; sad or depressed
2. an unhappy fellow
3. tactless or inappropriate
   an unhappy remark
4. archaic.

Discover More

Derived Forms

• unˈhappily, adverb
• unˈhappiness, noun

Discover More

Other Words From

• un·happi·ly adverb
• un·happi·ness noun

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of unhappy1

First recorded in

1250–1300; Middle English: “causing misfortune, objectionable”; un- 1

+ happy

Discover More

Example Sentences

Businesses unhappy with the findings could reject them and pursue a claim against a provider through the county courts.

Police said the driver was unhappy with a divorce settlement, but the incident sparked questions about a recent spate of public violence in the country.

Iza allegedly took the man’s phone and used it to transfer money to himself because he was unhappy with the festivities.

This gives victims the right to a review when unhappy with a police decision not to charge, after a suspect has been interviewed under caution.

He not only failed to transmit his ideas but the players were visibly sad, unhappy or overlooked.