dysphoria

noun

dys·​pho·​ria dis-ˈfȯr-ē-ə 

plural dysphorias

: a state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied

Paradoxically, chronic cocaine use eventually leads to dysphoria—a depressed, low-energy state characterized by flattened emotions, a lack of interest in sex, and physical immobility.

—James Lieber

see also gender dysphoria

Examples of dysphoria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Summary Rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) is an extreme response to rejection, whether that rejection is real or perceived. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025

While some trans people do experience it as the feeling of being in the wrong body, that is not how dysphoria feels for all trans people. —Quispe López, Them., 12 May 2025

According to Saetta, as yet unpublished research suggests that psychotherapy may relieve dysphoria in some cases. —Michelle Orange, Harper's Magazine, 14 Dec. 2023

If One Part Suffers The enigma of body integrity dysphoria by Michelle Orange Harper’s Magazine welcomes reader response. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek dysphoría "malaise, discomfort, vexation," from dýsphoros "hard to bear, grievous" (from dys- dys- + -phoros, nominal ablaut derivative from the base of phérein "to carry, bear") + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at bear entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dysphoria

• gender dysphoria

Rhymes for dysphoria

• chorea
• correa
• doria
• gloria
• scoria
• shorea
• thoria
• aporia
• centaurea
• euphoria
• septoria
• signoria

Medical Definition

dysphoria

noun

dys·​pho·​ria dis-ˈfōr-ē-ə, -ˈfȯr- 

1

: a state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied

Since early adolescence she had had periods of a few days to a week of dysphoria, crying spells, decreased sleep with early-morning awakening …

—Edmund C. Settle, Jr., The Journal of the American Medical Association

Experimental subjects report intense euphoria, sometimes followed by a "crash," or extreme dysphoria, and a craving for more cocaine.

—Craig Van Dyke and Robert Byck, Scientific American

compare euphoria sense 1

2

: gender dysphoria

Gender confirmation surgery … can assist most patients in relieving their dysphoria and reduce the risk of associated symptoms such as depression, suicidality, anxiety, drug abuse, and social isolation.

—Nick Esmonde et al., Journal of Craniofacial Surgery