unsatisfied, dissatisfied

Unsatisfied refers mainly to a temporary lack of satisfaction caused by not having enough of something.

  • Some passengers are left unsatisfied after eating airline food, because the portions are small.

Dissatisfied refers to a longer-lasting state of discontent. Dissatisfied is normally followed by the preposition with.

  • Striking workers in the oil industry were dissatisfied with their living conditions.

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