What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disgruntled
Example
The disgruntled employee complained about the lack of benefits and low pay. [disgruntled: adjective]
Example
She became disgruntled after her promotion was given to someone else. [disgruntled: past participle]
unhappy
Example
He felt unhappy with his current relationship and decided to end it. [unhappy: adjective]
Example
She became unhappy when she realized she had lost her phone. [unhappy: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unhappy is more commonly used than disgruntled in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disgruntled and unhappy?
Disgruntled is more formal than unhappy and is often used in professional or workplace settings to describe dissatisfaction with a specific situation or event.
