as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
with time the young woman got over the unhappiness caused by the breakup
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Recent Examples of unhappiness
General symptoms experienced by people with this condition include disrupted sleep, dysphoria (a state of unease or unhappiness) and difficulty managing stress.
—
Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
This show is based on the movie starring Keri Russell as a small-town server whose extraordinary pies may be her ticket out of unhappiness.
—Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Yet a longer war that pushed oil past $100 a barrel for an extended period would worsen inflation, at least temporarily, while slowing growth and intensifying Americans’ unhappiness with the cost of essentials.
—Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
No incidents have ever been reported, but one former member of the organization was unsurprised at the team’s unhappiness, comparing his experience with the plane to opening the door of a modern luxury car only to find amenities and seats inside that belong in a 40-year-old sedan.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2026
At the wedding, is Joette miserable because of her love for Vernice, or is her unhappiness due to something greater?
—CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Often letters to the editor are scathing missives reflecting one’s political beliefs or unhappiness with a segment of society – the wealthy, the IRS, the insurance companies, law enforcement, etc.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
The antidotes to young men’s unhappiness are natural opportunities for in-person connection.
—Anthony V. MacK, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Inevitably, Big Ant soon comes crashing back down to Earth and the swirl of anger and sorrow that await him there; inevitably, Lil Ant and Lozita are forced to face his unhappiness, and figure out how to react.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
This show is based on the movie starring Keri Russell as a small-town server whose extraordinary pies may be her ticket out of unhappiness.
—Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Yet a longer war that pushed oil past $100 a barrel for an extended period would worsen inflation, at least temporarily, while slowing growth and intensifying Americans’ unhappiness with the cost of essentials.
—Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
No incidents have ever been reported, but one former member of the organization was unsurprised at the team’s unhappiness, comparing his experience with the plane to opening the door of a modern luxury car only to find amenities and seats inside that belong in a 40-year-old sedan.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2026
At the wedding, is Joette miserable because of her love for Vernice, or is her unhappiness due to something greater?
—CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Often letters to the editor are scathing missives reflecting one’s political beliefs or unhappiness with a segment of society – the wealthy, the IRS, the insurance companies, law enforcement, etc.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
The antidotes to young men’s unhappiness are natural opportunities for in-person connection.
—Anthony V. MacK, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Inevitably, Big Ant soon comes crashing back down to Earth and the swirl of anger and sorrow that await him there; inevitably, Lil Ant and Lozita are forced to face his unhappiness, and figure out how to react.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unhappiness
Noun
-
There is only sadness that they're gone.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Osanmoh notes that although losing might elicit some feelings of sadness, disappointment, and even anger in kids of all ages, this outcome has serious value.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Studies have shown a correlation between heavy digital dependence and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and stress.—
Karen Garcia,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
-
People seeking support often present with overlapping challenges such as anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma histories, chronic stress or relationship difficulties.—
Gwilym Roddick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On his early records, the London musician made do with saxophone alone, looping and layering his instrument into billowing expressions of foghorn melancholy.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Turner plays the middle brother with intriguing melancholy and an almost alien detachment, which works within the world this film creates, but not necessarily for a main character.—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unhappiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unhappiness. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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