German word

Unmut

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnmuːt/

Meaning

  • masculine noundispleasure

Example

Die Nachricht löste den Unmut vieler Leute aus.

The news caused displeasure among many people.

Illustration for Unmut (displeasure)

More examples

Viele Mitarbeiter äußerten Unmut über die neuen Regeln.

Many employees expressed displeasure about the new rules.

Core concept

A quiet cloud of dissatisfaction hangs over people after a decision or announcement, without becoming open anger.

Common phrases

  • Unmut äußern

    express displeasure

  • Unmut über die Entscheidung

    displeasure over the decision

  • Unmut in der Bevölkerung

    displeasure among the population

Similar words

Ärger: Strong irritation that is clearly expressed through angry words or actions.
Verärgerung: Irritation caused by another person's conduct or by a situation.
Unzufriedenheit: Dissatisfaction arising when expectations or demands remain unmet.
Missfallen: Disapproval of something perceived as undesirable or inappropriate.

Definition in German

Innere Unzufriedenheit oder Missfallen gegenüber einer Handlung, Entscheidung oder Mitteilung, meist vernehmbar, aber nicht heftig

Word origin

Unmut combines the negative prefix un- with Mut, whose older Germanic sense included mood or state of mind, forming a word for an adverse state of mind.

Usage tips

  • Unmut is common in formal and journalistic prose, while everyday speech often uses Ärger or Verärgerung for a more direct expression.

Other meanings

  • resentmentnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Unmutsbekundungexpression of displeasurenoun

Word lists with this word