bum out

USAGE SUMMARY

"bum out" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It typically means to become unhappy or depressed as a result of a disappointment or setback, so it can be used in most contexts. For example, "I was really looking forward to going on vacation, but then I found out the plane tickets were too expensive and it really bummed me out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Throw the bum out," one of them exhorted.

The New York Times

This might bum out a different kind of crowd.

The New York Times - Books

"I feel a right chump with my bum out," she groaned.

Independent

"As for Louis, my friend, I'll knock that bum out in two rounds.

The New Yorker

Who wore mesh vests and got his bum out a lot.

The Guardian

Every good awards ceremony now requires a big splashy transgressive moment, whether it's Kanye West ranting, Jarvis Cocker getting his bum out, or Ricky Gervais insulting everyone.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Who else is bummed out?

The New Yorker

"You're bummed out for him.

The New York Times - Sports

I was bummed out".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was bummed out," he said.

The New York Times

"I'm pretty bummed out," Mickelson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bum out" to describe a temporary feeling of disappointment or sadness, especially in informal conversation or writing. It's best suited for situations that aren't deeply tragic but still cause a noticeable dip in mood.

Common error

Avoid using "bum out" in formal or professional settings. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "disappoint", "discourage", or "sadden" to maintain a professional tone. It’s all about matching your vocabulary to your audience and the seriousness of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bum out" functions as a causative verb, describing an action that causes someone to become disappointed or depressed. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe events that negatively impact a person's mood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "bum out" is a common and grammatically correct way to express disappointment or sadness, according to Ludwig AI. It's best suited for informal contexts and describes something causing a dip in mood. While frequently found in News & Media, it's rarely used in formal or scientific writing. To avoid overuse, especially in professional settings, consider alternatives like "disappoint", "discourage", or "sadden". Remember, effective communication relies on matching your word choice to the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be let down

Focuses on the feeling of being disappointed by someone or something not meeting expectations.

feel deflated

Emphasizes the emotional impact of disappointment, using a metaphor of losing air or energy.

be saddened

Uses a passive form to state that something caused a feeling of sadness in someone.

become discouraged

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more formal verb phrase, focusing on the loss of enthusiasm.

get disheartened

Highlights the loss of hope or motivation, suggesting a deeper sense of discouragement.

be crestfallen

Suggests a sudden and intense feeling of disappointment, often related to a specific event or outcome.

lose enthusiasm

Indicates a reduction in excitement or interest, suggesting a gradual decline in positive feelings.

grow despondent

Describes a state of low spirits and hopelessness, emphasizing a longer-lasting negative mood.

take a beating

Uses a metaphor to describe how bad news may impact someone. Implies an emotional blow.

become pessimistic

Focuses on adopting a negative outlook on a situation, rather than simply feeling disappointed.

FAQs

How can I use "bum out" in a sentence?

You can use "bum out" to describe something that makes you feel disappointed or sad. For example, "The canceled concert really bummed me out" or "Don't let the bad news bum you out too much".

What's a more formal way to say "bum out"?

Instead of "bum out", you could use more formal alternatives such as "disappoint", "discourage", or "sadden" depending on the context. These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is "bummed out" the same as "bum out"?

"Bummed out" is the past participle form of "bum out", indicating a state of feeling disappointed or sad. "Bum out" is the verb form. For example, "I was bummed out by the news" versus "The news really bummed me out".

What are some similar phrases to "bum out" that convey disappointment?

Similar phrases include "be let down", "feel deflated", or "get disheartened". These phrases capture the feeling of disappointment but with slightly different nuances.