1
as in sad
feeling unhappiness
he's been unhappy ever since his family's move, which took him away from all his friends
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unfortunate
having, prone to, or marked by bad luck
she's trying to forget that whole unhappy attempt to start a business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unsuitable
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation
a guest unintentionally made unhappy reference to what is a painful situation for the family
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unhappy
Only after those have tapered off, Palmer said, do unhappy married couples finally act — usually before the new school year begins.
—
Vanessa Romo, NPR, 5 June 2025
Certainly, the worst response would be faux reforms that do not address the very real concerns of the many across the political spectrum who are unhappy with higher education.
—Jeffrey Herbst, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Top Trump administration officials are unhappy with arrest and deportation numbers and have lambasted the federal immigration officials responsible for the operation, the Washington Examiner learned.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Klay Thompson, unrestricted and unhappy with his situation, left the Warriors last summer on his own volition.
—Anthony Slater, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unhappy
Vanessa Romo, NPR, 5 June 2025
Certainly, the worst response would be faux reforms that do not address the very real concerns of the many across the political spectrum who are unhappy with higher education.
—Jeffrey Herbst, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Top Trump administration officials are unhappy with arrest and deportation numbers and have lambasted the federal immigration officials responsible for the operation, the Washington Examiner learned.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Klay Thompson, unrestricted and unhappy with his situation, left the Warriors last summer on his own volition.
—Anthony Slater, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unhappy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unhappy
Adjective
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Banks: There’s a reason why the theater [symbol] is a happy face/sad face.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
-
To some, this may sound bizarre, laughable, or even just plain sad.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
An unfortunate series of events in the eighth inning led to the Brewers going up 3-1.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2025
-
The polished old pro bent time and space, keeping the unfortunate new work to a minimum and running through his hits, reliving, nearly chronologically, the thrill of experiencing his catalog all over again at a speed run.—
Abe Beame,
Rolling Stone,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
Any useless, toxic or otherwise unsuitable man can become a child’s legal father, without being subject to the thorough checks that these women must face.—
Catherine Bray,
Variety,
23 May 2025
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Advertisement Advertisement Some insects are adapting to changing climates by moving to regions that might have previously been unsuitable.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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The results: enrollees had less financial stress and were less likely to be depressed, but there was no difference in their physical health.—
John C. Goodman,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Even at a time when film and TV production in Southern California is depressed, A-listers want to spend their time between takes in plush surroundings.—
William Earl,
Variety,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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But at a time when student-athletes’ rights prevail and provide the freedom to change schools and cash in, coaches aim to regain control and curtail roster movement — even at the expense of a player in an unfavorable situation.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 May 2025
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The reality is that an underdeveloped supply chain and unfavorable economics are far larger factors.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
There can be a change to the list if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on another would be inappropriate.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
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Both the city’s account and Mayor Quinton Lucas issued online apologies that night, agreeing that the post was inappropriate.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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The day started again, but a second voice joined the miserable monologue, pushing me to plant beets instead of flowers.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
8 June 2025
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The win vaulted Miami from sixth to third in MLS standings and felt like a turning point— not just a singular game, but a season statement after a miserable May.—
Kaitlyn Pohly,
Miami Herald,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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The Giants didn’t have a disastrous road trip, winning two of their three series, but taking just two out of three against rebuilding teams won’t be enough to catch the Dodgers, and getting swept by contending teams will leave them outside of the wild-card chase.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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Following a disastrous accident, Cadence's life changes forever, disrupting the harmony builtbetween her, her family, and her inner circle.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unhappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unhappy. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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