Word of the Day
January 27, 2026
Malcontent
A person who is dissatisfied with existing conditions, especially dissatisfied with the government; discontented, uneasy, and restless under prevailing authority.
From Italian 'malcontento' (1580s), combining 'mal-' (badly, ill, from Latin 'male') with 'contento' (content, satisfied, from Latin 'contentus'). Originally used in political contexts to describe those dissatisfied with a ruling government.
Usage Examples
- The malcontents in the electorate channeled their frustration into grassroots petition drives rather than passive resignation.
- Machiavelli warned that a prince who ignores the malcontents among both citizens and soldiers risks losing power to rebellion.
- Colorado taxpayers have every right to be malcontent when their legislature passes hundreds of bills without publishing fiscal notes for public review.
From the Show
Kim Monson chose malcontent to capture the spirit of civic dissatisfaction with the Colorado legislature during the January 27th broadcast, in which former state senator Kevin Lundberg warned that many lawmakers disregard constitutional limits and citizens are channeling their frustration into ballot initiatives through the Protect Kids Colorado campaign.