crestfallen appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crestfallen appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who looks sad, disappointed, or dejected. Example: "After hearing the news of his team's loss, he had a crestfallen appearance that spoke volumes about his disappointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

They appeared "visibly crestfallen and weary," he wrote.

The New Yorker

They looked crestfallen.

The New Yorker

The students seemed crestfallen.

The New York Times

Mr. Marcus said he was "crestfallen, absolutely crestfallen".

The New York Times

Malisse was crestfallen.

The New York Times - Sports

She looks crestfallen.

The New York Times

The owner seems crestfallen.

The New York Times - Arts

There were crestfallen teachers.

The New York Times

I was absolutely crestfallen.

The Guardian

Dahl looked crestfallen.

The New Yorker

Deb looks crestfallen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's disappointment, consider using "crestfallen appearance" to emphasize the visible manifestation of their sadness, but be mindful of its relative infrequency compared to more common alternatives.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "crestfallen appearance" in informal contexts where simpler phrases like "disappointed look" or "sad face" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crestfallen appearance" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the visible manifestation of deep disappointment or dejection. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct but lacks direct examples in its dataset.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "crestfallen appearance" is grammatically sound but infrequently used, as highlighted by Ludwig AI's analysis. It effectively describes the outward signs of profound disappointment, but writers should be mindful of its relative formality and consider more common alternatives like "disappointed look" or "dejected expression" depending on the context. When used appropriately, it vividly conveys a character's emotional state. As there are no occurrences in Ludwig's dataset, its most common usage is undetermined, but given the tone of "crestfallen", its application will typically be more formal than informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappointed look

Focuses on the visual expression of disappointment, similar to "crestfallen appearance" but more direct.

dejected expression

Highlights the overall expression of dejection, comparable to "crestfallen appearance" in conveying sadness.

downcast gaze

Emphasizes the lowering of the eyes, a common physical manifestation of sadness or disappointment.

sad countenance

Uses a more formal term ("countenance") for facial expression, conveying a similar sense of sadness.

melancholy aspect

Implies a general air of melancholy or sadness, more profound than simple disappointment.

disheartened demeanor

Focuses on the overall behavior and attitude reflecting a loss of spirit or enthusiasm.

chagrined visage

Highlights a feeling of vexation or embarrassment caused by failure or disappointment, a more specific emotion.

woebegone face

Suggests a face marked by woe or sorrow, indicating deeper distress than "crestfallen appearance".

despondent air

Conveys a sense of hopelessness and discouragement, reflecting a more profound emotional state.

defeated posture

Focuses on the physical manifestation of defeat, where the body language reflects a sense of being overcome.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who looks disappointed?

You can use phrases like "disappointed look", "sad face", or "downcast eyes" to describe someone who appears disappointed.

What is a more formal way to say someone looks disappointed?

More formal alternatives include "dejected expression", "sad countenance", or "melancholy aspect".

Is "crestfallen appearance" the same as "disappointed appearance"?

"Crestfallen" implies a deeper sense of disappointment and dejection than simply "disappointed". While similar, "crestfallen appearance" suggests a more visible and profound sadness.

Which is more common, "crestfallen appearance" or "disappointed look"?

"Disappointed look" is a more common and widely used phrase compared to "crestfallen appearance", which might sound more literary or formal.