chagrin at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chagrin at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means to feel embarrassed, disappointed or frustrated with someone or something. Example: He felt a terrible chagrin at being overlooked for the promotion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

There was some chagrin at Eisenhower winning as Stevenson had been favored.

The New Yorker

Administration officials expressed chagrin at the mayor's statements, which appeared to come as a surprise.

The New York Times

A year later, Swiss officials were expressing chagrin at having found Abacha assets.

The New York Times

While some Democrats expressed chagrin at Mr. Cheney's language, Republicans defended him.

The New York Times

This behavior, typical among frequent travelers who shop for fares, causes much chagrin at the third-party sites, incidentally.

The New York Times

"I asked her campaign, 'What's Rice's women's strategy?' and they said, 'She is her women's strategy,' " Arnone said, with evident chagrin at the loss.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

But to the chagrin of at least one S.E.C. member, they will have to fill out the same registration forms, albeit in less detail than the registered advisers.

The New York Times

The Bronx-born, mango-obsessed Mr. Mager ducks in and out of private gardens (including his older brother's, much to his chagrin), hacking at coconuts with his machete, cracking jokes and spreading the local lore he has cultivated in his 35 years on the island.

The New York Times - Travel

Later on, a bunch of anarchists descended on Tower Bridge and held their own march, stopping in the middle of the bridge to let off flares, chant anti-capitalist slogans and block traffic for a little while, to the chagrin of at least one white van man.

Vice

Later on, a bunch of anarchists descended on Tower Bridge and held their own march, stopping in the middle of the bridge to let off flares, chant anti-capitalist slogans, and block traffic for a little while, to the chagrin of at least one white van man.

Vice

Dr. Heller, who keeps kosher and feeds Evanger's to Lilly, his wheaten terrier, has led Seders for dogs at pet stores in the past, "much to the chagrin" of many at his synagogue, he says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chagrin at", ensure that the object of the preposition is clearly defined. For example, specify "chagrin at the outcome" rather than just "chagrin".

Common error

Avoid using "chagrin at" in situations requiring stronger expressions like outrage or fury. "Chagrin" implies a milder form of disappointment or embarrassment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chagrin at" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically following a verb or noun to express disappointment, embarrassment, or frustration directed towards a specific cause or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chagrin at" is a valid and relatively common English phrase used to express feelings of disappointment, embarrassment, or frustration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts. When employing "chagrin at", ensure the object of the preposition is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "disappointment at" or "frustration at" can be considered based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappointment at

Expresses a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction because something was not as good as expected.

frustration at

Indicates a feeling of annoyance or impatience caused by being prevented from achieving a goal.

annoyance at

Suggests a mild feeling of irritation or displeasure.

dismay at

Implies a feeling of shock and disappointment.

vexation at

Denotes a state of being annoyed, frustrated or worried.

displeasure at

Indicates dissatisfaction or disapproval.

resentment at

Suggests a feeling of bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.

irritation at

A state of being annoyed or angered.

unease at

Indicates a feeling of anxiety or discomfort.

discontent at

Implies a lack of satisfaction with one's circumstances.

FAQs

How do I use "chagrin at" in a sentence?

Use "chagrin at" to express disappointment or embarrassment about something. For example, "She felt a sense of "chagrin at" her mistake".

What's a more formal alternative to "chagrin at"?

Consider using "disappointment at" or "dismay at" for a more formal tone. These alternatives, like "disappointment at", convey a similar meaning while maintaining a higher level of formality.

Is "chagrin at" the same as "chagrin about"?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "chagrin at" is more commonly used and typically refers to a specific event or situation causing the disappointment. You may consider "disappointment at" as alternative.

What feelings does "chagrin at" convey?

"Chagrin at" conveys feelings of disappointment, embarrassment, and mild frustration. It suggests a sense of being let down by a particular outcome or event. Alternatives include "annoyance at".