noun

dysphoria

dis-FOR-ee-uh

Quiz me More like this

Dysphoria (noun) means a persistent state of unease, dissatisfaction or low mood, in which a person feels profoundly uncomfortable in themselves. Example: “The medication lifted the dysphoria that had shadowed her for months.”

noun

A persistent state of unease, dissatisfaction or low mood, in which a person feels profoundly uncomfortable in themselves.

"The medication lifted the dysphoria that had shadowed her for months."

"He described a dull dysphoria rather than sadness as such."

In gender dysphoria, the significant distress a person experiences when their gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.

"She spoke about the dysphoria she felt whenever she heard her old name."

"The clinic assesses gender dysphoria before any treatment is offered."

In body dysphoria, intense distress about one's own body or a particular feature of it.

"Long recovery brought on periods of dysphoria about his changed body."

How to use dysphoria

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is a deep, lasting feeling of being uncomfortable or unhappy in yourself.

When to use it

A clinical term, uncountable in general use. It commonly appears with a modifier that specifies the kind, as in gender dysphoria or body dysphoria; on its own it means general distress or low mood.

Memory tip

It is the direct opposite of euphoria, which shares the same Greek root for bearing or carrying.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

dysphoria → euphoria → dysmorphia

Common pairings

gender dysphoria body dysphoria experience dysphoria relieve dysphoria

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like dysphoria.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “dysphoria” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The medication lifted the _____ that had shadowed her for months.

Etymology

From Greek dysphoria, discomfort or distress, from dys-, bad or difficult, and pherein, to bear.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

View more →

unease malaise distress discontent

Antonyms

euphoria contentment wellbeing

Related words

content hurt trouble concern danger pleasure suffering happiness

Rhymes for dysphoria

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia Zambia Russia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia

See all rhymes for dysphoria →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between dysphoria and dysmorphia?

Dysphoria is distress about a mismatch between how you are and how you feel you should be, most often discussed in relation to gender. Body dysmorphia is a preoccupation with a perceived flaw in appearance that others barely notice or do not see at all.

What is the difference between dysphoria and depression?

Dysphoria names a state of unease and dissatisfaction, which can be a symptom of many conditions or a response to circumstances. Depression is a diagnosed disorder with a wider set of features, including loss of interest, changes to sleep and appetite, and impaired functioning.

What does gender dysphoria feel like?

People describe a persistent discomfort with their body, voice, name or how others read them, which can range from background unease to acute distress. It is not the same as simply disliking gender stereotypes, and clinicians look for distress that lasts and interferes with daily life.

What is the meaning of dysphoria?

"dysphoria" (noun) means a persistent state of unease, dissatisfaction or low mood, in which a person feels profoundly uncomfortable in themselves.

People also searched

content hurt trouble concern danger pleasure suffering happiness