What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
displeasure
Example
She expressed her displeasure with the service at the restaurant. [displeasure: noun]
Example
He was displeased with the results of the project. [displeased: adjective]
discontent
Example
The workers expressed their discontent with the low wages. [discontent: noun]
Example
She felt discontent with her current job and wanted to explore other options. [discontent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Displeasure is more commonly used than discontent in everyday language. Displeasure is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while discontent is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between displeasure and discontent?
Discontent is more formal than displeasure and is typically used in more serious or professional contexts, such as academic writing or political discourse.