Disgruntled means annoyed, dissatisfied, and grumpy about something you feel is unfair or disappointing. The word captures that specific combination of being unhappy and feeling like you have good reason to complain.

A disgruntled customer might stomp out of a store after getting poor service. Disgruntled employees complain about their workplace because they feel mistreated or unappreciated. You might feel disgruntled when your teacher assigns homework over winter break, or when your little brother gets a bigger slice of cake than you did.

The word carries a sense of bitterness or resentment, like something has violated your sense of fairness. A student might feel disgruntled about a grade they think is too low, especially if they studied hard.

Today, when someone looks disgruntled, you can usually tell: they have that unmistakable expression of someone who feels wronged and wants everyone to know it.