unhappy
UK: ʌnˈhæpi | US: ʌnˈhæpi
adj. feeling or showing sadness or discontent
adj. not satisfied or pleased with a situation
The word "unhappy" combines the Old English prefix "un-" (meaning "not") with the Middle English word "happy" (derived from the Old Norse "happ," meaning "luck" or "chance"). Originally, "happy" referred to favorable circumstances, and by the 14th century, it evolved to describe emotional contentment. Adding "un-" negates this state, creating a term for sadness or dissatisfaction. This structure is common in English, where "un-" efficiently reverses the root's meaning.
She felt unhappy after hearing the bad news.
The team was unhappy with the final decision.
Despite his success, he remained deeply unhappy.
The child looked unhappy when his toy broke.
Long hours at work made her increasingly unhappy.