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displeasure
/dɪsˈplɛʒər/
feeling of annoyance or dissatisfaction
The manager expressed his displeasure at the team's poor performance.
The manager showed he was annoyed or unhappy with the team's bad results.
formal
A feeling of annoyance or dissatisfaction caused by someone or something that does not meet one's expectations or desires.
The customer's letter conveyed his displeasure with the delayed service.
The customer wrote to say he was annoyed about the late service.
The board's displeasure with the CEO's decisions led to his resignation.
The board was unhappy with the CEO's choices, which resulted in his leaving.
More formal than 'annoyance' or 'dissatisfaction'; often used in professional or written contexts.
Collocations
express one's displeasureshow or state one's annoyancearouse displeasurecause someone to feel annoyeddeep displeasurestrong feeling of annoyance
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'displeasure' in casual speech
In everyday conversation, words like 'annoyed' or 'upset' are more natural. Reserve 'displeasure' for formal writing or professional settings.
Gold Rule
Use 'displeasure' for formal contexts
Prefer 'displeasure' in business, legal, or written contexts where a neutral, formal tone is appropriate.
Word Origin
From Middle English displesir, from Old French desplaisir (to displease), from des- (expressing negation) + plaisir (to please), from Latin placere (to please).
Usage Notes
Displeasure is a more formal and less intense term than 'anger' or 'rage'. It implies a mild to moderate level of dissatisfaction rather than strong emotional upset.
Word Breakdown
dis-
expressing negation or reversal
prefixpleasure
feeling of happiness or satisfaction
rootEnglish Dictionary