bitterly disillusioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitterly disillusioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong feeling of disappointment or loss of faith in something that was once believed in or hoped for. Example: "After years of working for the company, she felt bitterly disillusioned by the lack of support and recognition for her efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Both were bitterly disillusioned by the lack of refinement of their idol.

The Guardian - Books

An NUJ member spoke of some members being bitterly disillusioned at what they regard as broken promises.

The Guardian

Emmy the Great, led by the English songwriter Emma-Lee Moss, played gentle, straightforward folk-pop tunes, glimmering with glockenspiel or mandolin, that often held bitterly disillusioned lyrics.

The New York Times - Arts

In the end, however, he was left bitterly disillusioned, acknowledging that Blair and Gordon Brown were redistributing to the poor, but profoundly offended by the mean-spirited way in which he thought they went about it.

The Guardian

When Miller came back from the war, she was bitterly disillusioned, and wrote to Roland from Paris: "Peace with a world of crooks who have no honour, no integrity and no shame is not what anyone fought for".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I fear that the millions of Americans who are putting their trust in Mr. Trump will be bitterly disillusioned if he were to obtain the nation's highest office".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Let's hope he plays it, otherwise I'll be bitterly disappointed and disillusioned.

Vice

But her personality sounds undiminished, with long, curvy phrases that are decisive, knowing and, in Bobby Bland's heartsick, disillusioned "Dreamer," bitterly authoritative.

The New York Times - Arts

The austerity plan has caused deep anger among Greeks disillusioned with years of political corruption and inefficiency and now bitterly resentful of the tough conditions imposed by the European Union and International Monetary Fund.

Huffington Post

Colombians are disillusioned.

The Economist

"They're really disillusioned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bitterly disillusioned" when you want to convey a strong sense of disappointment combined with a loss of faith or idealism. This phrase is particularly effective when describing reactions to broken promises or unfulfilled expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "bitterly disillusioned" in situations where a simpler expression of disappointment would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere. Opt for alternatives like "deeply disappointed" or "greatly let down" in less intense scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitterly disillusioned" functions as a descriptive compound adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a state of profound disappointment and loss of faith. Ludwig examples show it qualifying subjects who have experienced broken promises or unmet expectations, like "An NUJ member spoke of some members being bitterly disillusioned at what they regard as broken promises."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitterly disillusioned" effectively conveys a strong sense of disappointment mixed with a loss of faith, and it's grammatically sound, according to Ludwig. Primarily found in news and media contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it describes situations where expectations or beliefs have been shattered. While usable in neutral and even formal writing, it is not recommended for casual conversations. Remember that choosing synonyms like "deeply disappointed" or "greatly let down" may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the context. Be also aware that overuse might sound overdramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bitterly disappointed

Removes the nuance of disillusionment, only retaining the negative emotional state.

thoroughly disillusioned

Emphasizes the completeness of the disillusionment, suggesting nothing remains of the former belief.

gravely disillusioned

Indicates a serious or significant level of disillusionment.

deeply disappointed

Focuses more on disappointment than disillusionment, suggesting sadness rather than a complete loss of faith.

profoundly disenchanted

Emphasizes a loss of enchantment or allure, suggesting a previously idealized view.

utterly crestfallen

Highlights the crushing nature of the disappointment, focusing on the emotional impact.

severely disappointed

Emphasizes the intensity and impact of the disappointment.

sorely disappointed

Implies a painful level of disappointment, often due to unmet expectations.

keenly disappointed

Implies a sharp and intense feeling of disappointment.

greatly let down

Focuses on the feeling of being failed or betrayed, rather than a loss of belief.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "bitterly disillusioned" in a sentence?

Use "bitterly disillusioned" to describe a profound disappointment accompanied by a loss of faith in someone or something. For example, "After the company's unethical practices were revealed, many employees felt "bitterly disillusioned"."

What are some alternatives to "bitterly disillusioned"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply disappointed", "profoundly disenchanted", or "utterly crestfallen", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "bitterly disappointed" and "bitterly disillusioned"?

"Bitterly disappointed" focuses solely on the feeling of disappointment, while "bitterly disillusioned" implies a disappointment coupled with a loss of faith or idealism. Disillusionment suggests a previous belief that has been shattered.

In what context is it most appropriate to use the phrase "bitterly disillusioned"?

The phrase is most appropriate when describing a situation where someone's previously held beliefs or ideals have been shattered by a negative experience or revelation. It is suitable for describing reactions to political betrayal, corporate scandal, or personal failures that challenge one's core values.