a crushing disappointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crushing disappointment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is extremely disappointing or disheartening. Example: "After months of preparation, the team's failure to win the championship was a crushing disappointment for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Still, that design is a crushing disappointment.

The New York Times - Tech

Giap's political timidity came as a crushing disappointment to many.

The Guardian

She lost the part to Tess Harper, a crushing disappointment.

The New York Times

For Bob and Terry, of course, the "F" was a crushing disappointment.

The Guardian - Opinion

After the win against Newcastle it was a crushing disappointment compounded by comparing the respective CVs of Saturday's sides.

The Guardian - Sport

For someone who believed she had to succeed to feed her public persona, it was a crushing disappointment.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

("There may be worse movies this summer than 'The Great Gatsby,' but there won't be a more crushing disappointment," wrote Peter Travers, who reviewed it for Rolling Stone).

The New York Times

When he reflects on that ambition, away from the clamour that attended a second crushing disappointment in the final of the Australian Open, he will know it is a forlorn wish.

The Guardian - Sport

Pete Travers of Rolling Stone, who can rave about the opening of a door, said: "There may be worse movies this summer than The Great Gatsby, but there won't be a more crushing disappointment".

The Guardian - Film

"He was conscious of nothing but an uncomfortable dread and a sense of crushing disappointment.... Whatever was there, she was not there -- for him.... Presently he found that he was sitting quietly in a darkened house, not listening to but dreaming upon a river of silver sound.

The New York Times - Books

Though my obsession with the toy cement mixer had ended by the next Christmas, I have never forgotten it, or the feeling in my chest and midsection whenever yet another, even more involved attempt to trap the toy's magic met with failure — a mix of crushing disappointment and ecstatic reverence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a crushing disappointment", consider the emotional weight it carries. Ensure it aligns with the overall tone and seriousness of your writing. This phrase is best suited for situations that genuinely warrant a strong expression of disappointment.

Common error

Avoid using "a crushing disappointment" for minor inconveniences or trivial setbacks. This phrase is powerful and should be reserved for situations that genuinely cause significant emotional distress or represent a major failure. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crushing disappointment" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object to describe something that has caused significant disillusionment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

6%

Reference

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crushing disappointment" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a significant feeling of letdown and disillusionment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, to describe situations where expectations were unmet. While its register is generally neutral, it carries a strong emotional weight and should be used judiciously. Alternatives such as "a profound disappointment" or "a devastating setback" can offer nuanced variations. Use the phrase to convey a significant and emotionally impactful letdown, but avoid overuse in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound disappointment

Replaces "crushing" with "profound", suggesting a deep and significant feeling of disappointment.

a severe disappointment

Focuses on the intensity of the disappointment.

a bitter disappointment

Emphasizes the unpleasant and resentful aspect of the disappointment.

an overwhelming letdown

Emphasizes the intensity and magnitude of the disappointment.

a bitter letdown

Replaces "crushing" with "bitter", focusing on the negative emotional taste associated with the disappointment.

a profound disillusionment

Highlights the loss of faith or idealism as a result of the disappointment.

a severe disillusionment

Focuses on the intensity of the disillusionment.

a heartrending disappointment

Emphasizes the emotional pain and sorrow caused by the disappointment.

a devastating setback

Shifts the focus to the hindering effect of the disappointment, implying it impedes progress.

a major letdown

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning of disappointment.

FAQs

How can I use "a crushing disappointment" in a sentence?

You can use "a crushing disappointment" to describe an event or outcome that is extremely disappointing. For example, "The election results were "a crushing disappointment" for his supporters."

What are some alternatives to "a crushing disappointment"?

Some alternatives include "a profound disappointment", "a bitter letdown", or "a devastating setback". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a crushing disappointment" in formal writing?

Yes, "a crushing disappointment" is suitable for formal writing when describing a significantly negative outcome or experience. However, consider the overall tone of your writing and whether a more neutral phrase might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a crushing disappointment" and "a mild disappointment"?

"A crushing disappointment" implies a severe and deeply felt letdown, often involving high expectations that were unmet. "A mild disappointment", on the other hand, suggests a less intense and less emotionally impactful experience. The key difference lies in the intensity and emotional weight of the disappointment.