I recently upgraded to macOS Catalina and my Dictionary app is missing all of the usual dictionary files. When I open the app I only get the "All" and "Wikipedia" tabs and when I go into preferences, the only dictionary showing as available in the list in Wikipedia. Very upsetting as I used this app often as I am a writer – I especially made frequent use of the Thesaurus option. Please help.
MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.15
I had this exact same issue. I thought re-installing the OS to get some dictionary files sounded absolutely preposterous so I kept looking and I found this Reddit post which explains what to do (except that the folder has changed from Assets to AssetsV2 in Catalina):
https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/7td89m/missing_dictionary_sources_in_the_dictionary_app/
In sum:
Notes:
I had this exact same issue. I thought re-installing the OS to get some dictionary files sounded absolutely preposterous so I kept looking and I found this Reddit post which explains what to do (except that the folder has changed from Assets to AssetsV2 in Catalina):
https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/7td89m/missing_dictionary_sources_in_the_dictionary_app/
In sum:
Notes:
sarahjane1989,
Thanks for the additional information. Given the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried, I suggest reinstalling macOS. While this shouldn’t delete any information from your Mac, it’s a good idea to create a backup first:
How to back up your Mac - Official Apple Support
To reinstall macOS, follow the steps in the article below:
How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - Apple Support
Have a great day.
Hello sarahjane1989,
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you’re having trouble with the Dictionary on your Mac. I’m happy to help.
To start, make sure that you have your Dictionary sources set up to your liking. You can find steps below here:
Dictionary User Guide for Mac - Apple Support
I also suggest making sure that nothing is restricted for your Dictionary app. You can find steps for doing so under “Hide profanity” in that article.
Should the issue persist, test to see if you’re able to use the dictionary as normal in a different user account:
How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac - Apple Support
Take care.
None of this was useful. I already came across those resources and tried them, and they did not resolve this issue which is why I posted my question here.
The basis of the problem is that there are no dictionary resources. When I upgraded to Catalina, all of the dictionary files/resources disappeared. The only resource that is showing as available is wikipedia. This is clearly an error or malfunction with the new OS system as I have come across others who have complained about the same issue. I was hoping perhaps someone had found a fix by now.
No, restarting my computer does not fix the issue.
No, going into preferences and selecting the dictionary resources I want does not work as there aren't any resources.
No, trying it on another user account does not work.
No, downloading the new Catalina update does not work.
Ah yes. The patented totally unresponsive "answer" by someone who means well but clearly didn't bother to read the actual question. Infuriating.
I have the same problem: No dictionary after "upgrading" to Catalina. Remember when an upgrade made something better?
Here's an idea, Apple: YOU broke it...how about YOU fix it? Then you can provide your customers with a lil' patch they can run that will install the missing files.
Having the exact same problem but am a complete dunce... I've tried to follow your guide but can't even find he system folder in the first step....
Go to /System/Library/AssetsV2/com_apple_MobileAsset_DictionaryServices_dictionaryOSX/
Really infuriating myself! Any pointers gratefully received!
Hi sorry about that. I can assure you all it is is the dictionary files off my mac but I can understand your hesitation. You can download it and scan it with an antivirus to see it is nothing harmful. Sorry I am not sure how to do it more securely or safer, I just used a free download site. If someone could advise I would be happy to do it through another method. If anyone downloaded it and was helped please post it here so everyone can know its safe.
same problem, I'm using the dictionary app a lot... some people have this problem others don't.
I have the problem, fix it please this is ridiculous
having the same exact problem!!!!
why should we reinstall the mac?!!!! as you might see in the comment below a random person knows better how to deal with this problem and not the apple help!!!!!!
help us figure this out please!!
Could you solve the problem?
This looks a lot like a virus when I click on the link...
Not sure why no one did this yet, but I have uploaded the files for everyone to download (after getting them from a friends Mac).
Heres the link: https://easyupload.io/tr7mn5
Place them here: /Users/your-name/Library/Dictionaries
Vote as "Helpful" ⬇︎ if I solved your problem!
Hi, same problem except I don't have the com_apple_MobileAsset_DictionaryServices_dictionaryOSX folder in AssetsV2. any idea where else i can look?
exact problem for me! :(((( It's driving me crazy!
Dictionary app missing dictionary files after Catalina upgrade
