absolutely crestfallen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely crestfallen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is extremely disappointed or dejected about a situation. Example: "After hearing the news of her team's loss, she was absolutely crestfallen and couldn't hold back her tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I was absolutely crestfallen.

The Guardian

2.21pm: Nicola Sanders looks absolutely crestfallen.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Marcus said he was "crestfallen, absolutely crestfallen".

The New York Times

"I haven't said this to Brian, but I was absolutely crestfallen," she said recently, perched on a sofa in a sitting room of the Players Club on Gramercy Park.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They looked crestfallen.

The New Yorker

The students seemed crestfallen.

The New York Times

Takira looked crestfallen.

The New York Times

She was crestfallen.

The New York Times

My husband looked crestfallen.

The New York Times

Malisse was crestfallen.

The New York Times - Sports

She looks crestfallen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely crestfallen" to vividly depict a character's intense disappointment, particularly when they had high hopes or expectations that were suddenly dashed.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely crestfallen" in overly casual or trivial situations. The phrase carries a weight of disappointment that may seem disproportionate in lighter contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely crestfallen" functions as an intensifier (absolutely) modifying an adjective (crestfallen). It describes a state of being deeply disappointed or dejected. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through example sentences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely crestfallen" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English used to describe a state of extreme disappointment. Ludwig AI validates its usage. Although not frequently encountered, it finds primary application in news and media contexts, effectively conveying a strong sense of dejection. For alternative expressions, consider "utterly devastated" or "completely disheartened", adjusting for context and desired emotional intensity. Exercise caution against employing it in overly casual scenarios to maintain appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly devastated

Stronger emphasis on the emotional impact, suggesting a more profound sense of loss or ruin.

completely disheartened

Focuses on the loss of motivation or hope, implying a more lasting effect on one's spirit.

extremely dejected

Focuses on the lowering of spirits and morale, suggesting a state of discouragement and low spirits.

totally crushed

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed by disappointment, often used in a more informal context.

bitterly disappointed

Highlights the intensity of the disappointment, suggesting a sense of unfairness or injustice.

deeply saddened

A more formal and general expression of sorrow, lacking the specific connotation of disappointment.

thoroughly demoralized

Highlights a complete loss of confidence and enthusiasm, often as a result of a significant setback.

inconsolably sad

Implies a level of grief that is difficult to alleviate, suggesting a more profound and lasting sorrow.

downcast and disconsolate

Emphasizes the visible expression of sadness and the inability to find comfort or solace.

heartbroken

Specifically implies a deep emotional pain, often associated with romantic loss or betrayal.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely crestfallen" in a sentence?

The phrase "absolutely crestfallen" describes a state of extreme disappointment or dejection. For example, "After the project's failure, the team leader was "absolutely crestfallen"."

What's a less formal way to say "absolutely crestfallen"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "really bummed out", "totally crushed", or "super disappointed".

Are there situations where it's better to use "utterly devastated" instead of "absolutely crestfallen"?

While both phrases express deep disappointment, "utterly devastated" suggests a more profound emotional impact and is suitable when describing a truly catastrophic event or loss. "Absolutely crestfallen" is appropriate for significant disappointments that don't necessarily equate to devastation.

What's the difference between "crestfallen" and "absolutely crestfallen"?

Adding "absolutely" intensifies the feeling of disappointment expressed by "crestfallen". "Crestfallen" alone indicates a sense of sadness or dejection, but "absolutely crestfallen" emphasizes that the feeling is extreme.