bleak expression

USAGE SUMMARY

"bleak expression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a facial expression that conveys sadness or despair, such as, "He looked at his empty wallet with a bleak expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You see a lot of people on the street, some of them smiling and waving to us, but many just simply too weak with a very, very bleak expression, very tired.

The Guardian

"You see a lot of people on the street, some of them smiling to us and waving to us, but many simply just too weak and with a very, very bleak expression.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

What I image happened here is that production staff caught sight of her normal expression – bleak – and raised the alarm.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The reaction was understandably bleak, with boos and expressions of bemusement in equal measure.

Independent

GM's plight is only the most dramatic expression of the bleak state of the global car industry.

The Economist

You could cite one of the year's early successes – Darren Aronofsky's film The Wrestler, which starred Mickey Rourke as a washed-up fighter trying to get his life in order – as a perfect expression of the bleak mood of the times, all reduced horizons and lowered expectations.

Independent

This picture may look bleak.

The New York Times - Magazine

Prospects look bleak for needy rural populations.

BMC Medical Education

There, I would see babies with bodies whittled so thin by AIDS that they hardly resembled babies, as well as entire rooms filled with 7- and 8-year-old children whose palsied limbs and vacant expressions bespoke a bleak future.

The New York Times - Magazine

After a lost decade of flat wages and the worst downturn since the Great Depression, the findings can be thought of as putting numbers to the bleak national mood — quantifying the expressions of unease erupting in protests and political swings.

The New York Times

It marked a shift in his visual expression, switching from relatively bleak and gray to colourful, almost flamboyant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bleak expression" when you want to succinctly describe a facial expression that communicates profound sadness, hopelessness, or despair. It's particularly effective in narrative writing to quickly convey a character's inner state.

Common error

Avoid using "bleak expression" to describe mild disappointment or temporary sadness. The term suggests a deeper, more pervasive sense of hopelessness. Consider using words like "disappointed" or "sad" for less intense emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bleak expression" functions as a descriptive term, combining an adjective ("bleak") with a noun ("expression") to characterize a specific type of facial expression. According to Ludwig, this combination accurately conveys sadness or despair.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "bleak expression" effectively captures a facial expression marked by profound sadness, hopelessness, or despair. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase is relatively infrequent, its use is appropriate across various registers, primarily in news and media contexts. Related phrases such as "desolate look" or "hopeless gaze" offer similar but nuanced ways to describe such expressions. When using "bleak expression", it's important to reserve it for situations involving genuine and deep-seated sorrow, avoiding its application to milder forms of disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desolate look

Focuses on the visual aspect of despair and emptiness in someone's eyes.

hopeless gaze

Emphasizes the absence of hope in the expression.

empty stare

Highlights the lack of emotion or understanding in the expression.

somber look

Implies seriousness and sadness in the visual presentation.

anguished face

Shifts the focus to the pain and suffering evident in the entire face rather than just the expression.

pained countenance

Uses a more formal term to describe a face marked by suffering.

forlorn appearance

Describes overall sad aspect rather than precise facial expression.

resigned face

Conveys acceptance of a negative situation, lacking active resistance.

dejected manner

Indicates a general state of low spirits and sadness.

melancholy air

Suggests a pervasive sadness or pensiveness surrounding the person.

FAQs

How can I describe a "bleak expression" in more detail?

You can specify what causes the "bleak expression", for example, "a bleak expression of defeat" or "a bleak expression caused by loss."

What emotions does a "bleak expression" typically convey?

A "bleak expression" suggests feelings of hopelessness, despair, sadness, and resignation. It often indicates a deep sense of loss or a pessimistic outlook.

Is "bleak expression" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "bleak expression" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing characters' emotional states in literature or analyzing social conditions in academic texts. Its impact depends on the context.

Are there synonyms for "bleak expression" that are less intense?

Yes, consider using "sad look", "disappointed face", or "somber expression" if you want to convey a less intense emotion. These options suggest milder forms of unhappiness or concern.