Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Disgruntle
To cause someone to feel dissatisfied, discontented, or irritated; to make someone look unfavorably on a situation.
verb💡
Imagine This
Imagine a once-happy employee who hears that bonuses will be cut and performance reviews will be harsher. Their smile fades, they cross their arms, and their mood shifts from cooperative to clearly disgruntled.
🔊
Sounds Like
dɪsˈɡrʌn.təl (diss-GRUN-təl)
👀
Looks Like
Resembles related terms like grumble or disgruntled; visually similar to other -untle verbs (grumble, bundle) in form.
📝
Remember This
Disgruntle is a transitive verb; its past participle form is disgruntled (adjective). The noun form disgruntlement is rare but exists.
📚
Other Forms
disgruntledadjective
disgruntlingpresent participle / adjective
disgruntlementnoun
🔗
Connect With
dissatisfied, discontent, upset, irritated, resentful, irked
📌
Note
Do not confuse with 'disgust' or 'upset' in a stronger sense; disgruntle specifically means to cause someone to become unsettled or discontent, often through policy or management actions. More formal writing tends to use 'discontent' or 'dissatisfy' for precision.
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The sudden policy change disgruntled the staff.
- Poor communication from management disgruntled the team and slowed progress.
Synonyms
dissatisfieddiscontentedirritatedupsetresentful
Antonyms
contentsatisfiedpleased
Etymology
From dis- (not) + gruntle, an obsolete verb related to grumble; the sense evolved to mean to deprive of satisfaction, i.e., make someone discontent.
Mnemonic
Disgruntle = not gruntled (not pleased). Think: if your mood grunts with frustration and you can’t smile, you’re disgruntled.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Legitimate
adjectiveConforming to the law or established rules; legally valid or genuine.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Robust
adjectiveStrong, healthy, and able to withstand stress; also thorough or well-developed in design, method, or analysis.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.