appears dejected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears dejected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who looks sad or disheartened, often in a context where their emotional state is being observed. Example: "After hearing the news, she appears dejected, her shoulders slumped and her eyes downcast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In one picture, Macy appears dejected and defeated in some incomprehensible nighttime gardening project in his garage, as rain soaks the neighborhood outside.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Serena appeared dejected after that.

The New York Times - Sports

Even some commentators who have supported the austerity program appear dejected.

The New Yorker

Reyes appeared dejected by the news, but agreed that it was the right thing to do.

The New York Times - Sports

For months, Villa has appeared dejected by his inability to score.

The New York Times - Sports

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet Even some commentators who have supported the austerity program appear dejected.

The New Yorker

Dr. Bierenbaum's lawyer, Scott H. Greenfield, then gestured to his client, who appeared dejected, to keep his chin up.

The New York Times

New Zealand may have secured victory by an 18-point margin but Simon Mannering and co held a discussion on the pitch at the final whistle and appeared dejected afterwards.

The Guardian - Sport

Serena Williams looked the more affected by Friday's developments, appearing dejected on court as her errors piled up, then arriving red-eyed at the news conference.

The New York Times - Sports

On Thursday, even as senior Congress leaders in Delhi called their party "a winner" in Gujarat, the Congress' leaders in Gujarat appeared dejected, leaving counting centers and avoiding phone calls from reporters.

The New York Times

Even residents who supported the uprising appeared dejected about the damage to the city, where traces of fire and ash littered the old city and smoke lingered from a blaze the day before in the paint and chemical supply shops of Bab al-Nasr.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, use "appears dejected" to convey a sense of visible sadness or disappointment without explicitly stating the person is dejected. It implies an observation rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Common error

Avoid using "appears dejected" as a substitute for diagnosing clinical depression. The phrase describes an observable state, not a medical condition. For example, instead of saying "He appears dejected, so he must be clinically depressed", consider "He "seems disheartened" after the loss".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears dejected" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a subject by indicating their visible emotional state. Ludwig examples show it used to describe the outward manifestation of sadness or disappointment. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appears dejected" is a grammatically sound and neutrally formal way to describe someone who looks sad or disheartened. As Ludwig highlights, it's often used in News & Media to offer an observation about someone’s emotional state based on their visible demeanor. While “appears dejected” is not a clinical diagnosis, it effectively communicates a sense of visible disappointment. To enrich your vocabulary, consider using alternatives such as "seems downcast" or "looks disheartened" for similar meanings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, providing reliable examples across varied contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems disheartened

Replaces "dejected" with "disheartened" for a slight variation in emotional tone, maintaining a focus on outward appearance.

looks crestfallen

Uses a more evocative word, "crestfallen", to suggest disappointment and sadness are visible.

seems downcast

Employs "downcast" to emphasize a lowering of spirits and mood, observable in demeanor.

looks dispirited

Substitutes "dejected" with "dispirited," highlighting a loss of enthusiasm and energy.

appears discouraged

Focuses on the feeling of losing courage or confidence, made apparent in one's expression.

looks glum

Uses a simpler and more direct word, "glum", to describe a sullen and unhappy appearance.

appears despondent

Replaces "dejected" with "despondent" to suggest a deeper sense of hopelessness is evident.

seems melancholy

Implies a more prolonged and reflective sadness is noticeable, shifting from immediate reaction to a state.

looks forlorn

Uses "forlorn" to highlight feelings of loneliness and abandonment are outwardly visible.

seems subdued

Focuses on a reduction in energy and enthusiasm, making the person appear less lively or expressive.

FAQs

What does "appears dejected" mean?

The phrase "appears dejected" means that someone looks sad, disappointed, or disheartened. It suggests that their outward demeanor conveys a sense of low spirits.

What can I say instead of "appears dejected"?

You can use alternatives like "seems downcast", "looks disheartened", or "seems subdued" depending on the context. These phrases offer slightly different nuances while conveying a similar meaning.

Is "appears dejected" formal or informal?

The phrase "appears dejected" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation when choosing your words.

How can I use "appears dejected" in a sentence?

You can use "appears dejected" to describe someone's emotional state based on their visible demeanor. For example, "After hearing the bad news, she "appears dejected" and withdrawn".