unhappy

Everyday

1. Sad, not happy or cheerful. tree →
2. Not pleased or not satisfied with something (unhappy with a mark). tree →
3. Unlucky or unfortunate, as in an unhappy accident (a bit formal). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and school it names a feeling: a child can be unhappy at school, unhappy with a result, or unhappy about a decision. In stories it shows the reader how a character feels and often starts a problem the story must solve. In health lessons: if you feel unhappy for a long time, tell a trusted adult. Phrases: unhappy about, unhappy with, an unhappy ending.

Examples

• The puppy looked unhappy when we left it at home. tree →
• I was unhappy with my spelling test mark. tree →
• Mia felt unhappy because nobody played with her. tree →
• The fairy tale had an unhappy ending. tree →
• If you feel unhappy for a long time, talk to someone you trust. tree →
• The neighbours were unhappy about the noise. tree →
• He is the unhappiest when it rains on his birthday. tree →
• Tell me; are you very unhappy?’ tree →

Note

«Un-» means «not», so unhappy = not happy. Opposite: happy. Comparative: unhappier or more unhappy. «Unhappy with» a thing, «unhappy about» a situation. It is weaker than «miserable» or «heartbroken».