Disaffection    (pronounced dis-uh-fek-shun) noun


Definition

a condition or feeling of being discontented or disloyal (esp. with those in authority); rebellious; a state in which one is no longer willing to show support, affection, or allegiance (to those who are governing).

Other Forms

Disaffected (pronounced dis-uh-fek-tid) adjective

Main Example

  • "I would like to know if you are on crack. If so, that would explain a lot; if not, you may want to start because it's going to be a long time before we trust you again." That question, from an Enron videoclip recently aired by the networks, was asked of CEO Ken Lay by an angry employee during a meeting in October '01. It reflected the intense disaffection in Enron as the company's stock price and employee 401(k)s went into meltdown.

    Workplace Examples

  • Tell me, is your affection for my plan simply a part of the other side--your disaffection for the status quo--or is it because you really believe that this proposal will bring about the necessary changes?

  • The employees have every reason to be disaffected! First it was the reduction in retirement benefits. Then came the meager pay increases. Now health care is on the chopping block . . . just one thing after another adding to their alienation.

    Other Examples

  • displeased with the direction their club is taking, some disaffected members resigning to start a new club

  • a labor union unable to rally support at a plant where an enlightened management has successfully kept a lid on employee disaffection

  • investors' disaffection for hi-tech stocks following the Nasdaq meltdown that began in March 2000

  • in a speech announcing his candidacy for the White House, Rev. Al Sharpton saying America's minorities have become increasingly disaffected with the political process, and that he is the right man to tap into that disaffection

    © 2003 V.J. Singal

    This Month's Other Words

    Rumination
    Vituperative
    Predilection
    Sycophantic
    Intemperate and Temperate
    Foment
    Disavow

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