dysphoria

noun

dys·​pho·​ria dis-ˈfȯr-ē-ə How to pronounce dysphoria (audio)
plural dysphorias
: a state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied
Paradoxically, chronic cocaine use eventually leads to dysphoria—a depressed, low-energy state characterized by flattened emotions, a lack of interest in sex, and physical immobility.—James Lieber
see also gender dysphoria

Examples of dysphoria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Seydoux tromps through the film with a masculine heaviness — a sense of dysphoria that translates to her character’s ungainly bearing. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 18 May 2026 Paris Hilton is opening up about her experience with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026 Studies show that encouraging kids to socially transition interrupts their natural tendency to grow out of their dysphoria, putting them on a path toward lifelong medicalization. — Kristen Waggoner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Oct. 2025 Rejection sensitivity dysphoria can cause intense emotional pain. — Korin Miller, SELF, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dysphoria

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek dysphoría "malaise, discomfort, vexation," from dýsphoros "hard to bear, grievous" (from dys- dys- + -phoros, nominal ablaut derivative from the base of phérein "to carry, bear") + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at bear entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dysphoria was circa 1842

Phrases Containing dysphoria

Rhymes for dysphoria

See All Rhymes for dysphoria

Browse Nearby Words

dysphonia
dysphoria
dysphoric
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dysphoria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysphoria. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

dysphoria

noun
dys·​pho·​ria dis-ˈfōr-ē-ə, -ˈfȯr- How to pronounce dysphoria (audio)
1
: a state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied
Since early adolescence she had had periods of a few days to a week of dysphoria, crying spells, decreased sleep with early-morning awakening …—Edmund C. Settle, Jr., The Journal of the American Medical Association
Experimental subjects report intense euphoria, sometimes followed by a "crash," or extreme dysphoria, and a craving for more cocaine.—Craig Van Dyke and Robert Byck, Scientific American
compare euphoria sense 1
2
: gender dysphoria
Gender confirmation surgery … can assist most patients in relieving their dysphoria and reduce the risk of associated symptoms such as depression, suicidality, anxiety, drug abuse, and social isolation.—Nick Esmonde et al., Journal of Craniofacial Surgery

More from Merriam-Webster on dysphoria

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dysphoria

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