What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
displeased
Example
She was displeased with the service at the restaurant. [displeased: adjective]
Example
He looked displeased when he heard the news. [displeased: verb]
dissatisfied
Example
I am dissatisfied with the quality of this product. [dissatisfied: adjective]
Example
She expressed her dissatisfaction with the company's policies. [dissatisfaction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dissatisfied is more commonly used than displeased in formal writing and situations where a more specific level of negative emotion is required. Displeased is more commonly used in spoken language and everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between displeased and dissatisfied?
Dissatisfied is more formal than displeased and is often used in written language, such as business correspondence or academic writing. Displeased is more informal and is commonly used in everyday conversation.