Dissatisfied vs. unsatisfied

[Allen165]

"I am dissatisfied/unsatisfied with the text you've written."

I've done some reading on the differences between "dissatisfied" and "unsatisfied," but I'm not sure that I quite get them. Could someone provide a clear explanation? Are both words possible in my example?

Thanks!

 

[5jj]

"I am dissatisfied/unsatisfied with the text you've written."

I am unsatisfied if I haven't got what I wanted, dissatisfied if what I got wasn't good enough. In your example, it would be dissatisfied - for me.

I stressed the first word of my answer. I am not putting this forward as a response that will satisfy everybody.

 

[minnieuk]

"I am dissatisfied/unsatisfied with the text you've written."

I've done some reading on the differences between "dissatisfied" and "unsatisfied," but I'm not sure that I quite get them. Could someone provide a clear explanation? Are both words possible in my example?

Thanks!

Only a person can be dissatisfied whereas an abstract thing can be unsatisfied e.g. thirst, hunger, need

unsatisfied implies that a wish, need, or expectation that previously existed has not been satisfied; dissatisfied implies no such prior existence, but simply registers a failure to be satisfied

dissatisfied apples to people who are unhappy, frustrated with something

unsatisfied refers to needing more

for example

Jackie was dissatified with the teacher's answer to her question

They were dissatisfied with the standard of care offered by their local hospital

Jackie had eated two bags of crisps but her hunger was still unsatisfied

His thirst was unsatisfied so he needed more water

 

[Route21]

Hi Jasmin

Following on from minnieuk. see:

unsatisfied - definition of unsatisfied by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

dissatisfied, unsatisfied - Only a person can be dissatisfied, while an abstract thing (such as hunger) can be unsatisfied.See also related terms for hunger.

Best regards
R21

PS I also agree with Fivejedjon

 

[Allen165]

I think "unsatisfied" could also work in my example.

Let's assume that someone really likes another person's style of writing. So she asks that person to write something for her. And he does. But that doesn't quench her literary thirst, so she says, "I am unsatisfied with the text you wrote; I want more."

 

[bhaisahab]

I think "unsatisfied" could also work in my example.

Let's assume that someone really likes another person's style of writing. So she asks that person to write something for her. And he does. But that doesn't quench her literary thirst, so she says, "I am unsatisfied with the text you wrote; I want more."

I wouldn't use it like that. I prefer "Your text/writing left me feeling unsatisfied; I want more".

 

[5jj]

I think "unsatisfied" could also work in my example.

I agree. Part of the problem is that both words are ferquently possible; it depends on how the speaker feels at the moment of speaking. The result of this is that the words frequently appear to be interchangeable.

However, minnnieuk and R21 are right - Only a person can be 'dissatisfied', whereas an abstract thing can be 'unsatisfied' e.g. thirst, hunger, need.

 

[BobK]

I think "unsatisfied" could also work in my example.

Let's assume that someone really likes another person's style of writing. So she asks that person to write something for her. And he does. But that doesn't quench her literary thirst, so she says, "I am unsatisfied with the text you wrote; I want more."

:up: If you look at what 5jj wrote, you'll see that he agrees - you 'haven't got what [you] wanted'. His last words applied to a general context.

I am unsatisfied if I haven't got what I wanted, dissatisfied if what I got wasn't good enough. In your example, it would be dissatisfied - for me.

...

b