uncontent

English

Etymology

From un- +‎ content.

Adjective

uncontent (comparative more uncontent, superlative most uncontent)

1. Not content; uncontented.
   • 1868, Norman Macleod, Good words, page 636:

     But, be our fortune what it may in respect to these, there remains another ear — our own mind's ear— still uneasy and uncontent.

   • 1875, Margaret Oliphant, White Ladies, page 283:

     “Madame Suzanne would be uncontent, certainly uncontent, if I went away without to see her,” he said;

   • 1877, Stopford Augustus Brooke, The fight of faith, sermons, page 355:

     So much remains to be done, so much that is done is imperfectly done, so much that we feel ought to be done seems so drearily impossible, that we are bound to be uncontent ; at least, that is what is said, and too well we know that whether we are bound or not to be uncontent, we are miserably so, and that not rarely.

   • 2008, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Roman Dusk: A Novel of the Count Saint-Germain, →ISBN:

     “I am not uncontent,” he said, the hint of a self-deprecating smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Noun

uncontent (uncountable)

1. A lack of contentment.
   • 1881, The Fortnightly Review - Volume 35, page 782:

     None the less is it of inestimable value to all to have an ideal which shall preserve us from taking the shadows for the reality, the shreds for a sufficient garment, and keep alive in us that “divine uncontent ” which is the spring and strength of all higher aspirations.

   • 1888, Shelley Society's Publications, page 17:

     But they ought to tolerate those who are like Shelley, uncontent, and whose uncontent makes them look forward with unconquered hope to a new world, which is unsubstantial as yet, save to the eye of faith; men who find in Shelley the expression of their indignation, their ideal, and of the kingdom of the great Three who abide with them for man, Faith, Hope, and Love.

   • 1916, Friends' Intelligencer - Volume 73, page 477:

     I rather say a source of uncontent, and unsatisfaction. These are very different from discontent and dissatisfaction. A thing may be good—content or satisfaction would let it stand. Uncontent would strive to make it better.

Usage notes

The term "uncontent" differs from the more common discontent in that it refers to a lack of passive contentment rather than an active irritation or negative feeling.