To not please someone; to cause dissatisfaction or disapproval in someone. It is a more formal expression for 'nicht gefallen' (to not like / to not please) and is used with the dative.
example
Ihr unhöflicher Ton hat den anderen Konferenzteilnehmern sichtlich missfallen.
Her rude tone clearly displeased the other conference participants.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Missfallen' (to displease) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'miss-' always remains attached to the verb and expresses something negative or wrong, similar to 'missverstehen' (to misunderstand).
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten hat mir schon immer missfallen.
His behavior has always displeased me.
Dative construction
This verb always requires the dative. The person who does not like something is in the dative. The thing or action that is not liked is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidung der Chefin missfiel den Mitarbeitern.
The boss's decision displeased the employees.
Common mistake
A typical mistake is using the accusative (*mich) instead of the dative (mir). Think of the structure: something (nominative) displeases someone (dative).
EXAMPLE
Deine laute Musik missfällt mir sehr.
Your loud music displeases me very much.
Register and style
'Missfallen' (to displease) is a formal expression and is used mainly in written language or in an elevated style.
EXAMPLE
In dem Brief drückte er sein Missfallen über die neuen Regelungen aus.
In the letter, he expressed his displeasure about the new regulations.
Compare with
antonym
missfallen vs gefallen
to please / to fall
'gefallen' and 'missfallen' both describe how someone feels about something. The difference is a clear opposite: if something gefällt someone, the person finds it pleasant or good. If something missfällt someone, they do not like it or are dissatisfied with it. Both verbs are used with the dative, for example 'mir gefällt' or 'mir missfällt'. 'missfallen' sounds somewhat more formal than 'nicht gefallen' and is more suitable in serious or written situations.
missfallen
Dem Chef missfiel, dass der Bericht so spät kam.
The boss was displeased that the report arrived so late.