crestfallen expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crestfallen expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that shows disappointment or sadness. Example: "After hearing the bad news, she wore a crestfallen expression that spoke volumes about her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Seven minutes were played when the captain went down and a crestfallen expression pointed to this being his latest calf problem.

The Guardian - Sport

There are even traces in the brilliant BBC3 documentary I Believe in UFOs: Danny Dyer, even though the abiding memory of that is of Dyer's crestfallen expression when – having spent an age attempting to figure out what complex alien machinery it would take to form crop circles – he watches a video of some pranksters clomping around a field with planks on their feet.

The Guardian - Film

Pudgy, 34 and possessed of features that seem to naturally arrange themselves in a crestfallen expression, he has a face that fits his band: Elbow's music is careworn and mature and, up until this year, carried the tang of perennial commercial disappointment.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The crestfallen look on the child's face was heartbreaking.

The Economist

He looked crestfallen, with an expression that said, "Why does this man tell me he needs to sew draperies at 8 o'clock?" Mr. Musselman had a linguistic example more apropos to aviation.

The New York Times

You can get the size right (alone, with a tape measure) and watch the expression on your crestfallen toddlers' faces as they stand before it, baubles dropping from their little hands.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I look crestfallen.

The Guardian

The boys look crestfallen.

The Guardian - Books

"The year 2017 could be remember by historians as the year of backsliding on freedom of expression, pluralism and human rights," Al-Wasat's crestfallen editor-in-chief, Mansoor Al-Jamri, told me in an e-mail, three weeks after he had to let a hundred and eighty-five staffers go.

The New Yorker

But the doleful expression on Bledsoe's face as he met with reporters today made it clear that he is crestfallen to be going back to the bench.

The New York Times - Sports

They looked crestfallen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "crestfallen expression" with specific physical details, such as "a crestfallen expression and slumped shoulders", to create a more impactful and empathetic image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "crestfallen expression" for minor disappointments. This phrase implies a significant level of sadness or dejection, so reserve it for situations where the emotional impact is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crestfallen expression" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the emotional state of a person. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showing the phrase used to depict sadness or disappointment through facial expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crestfallen expression" is a descriptive term used to depict visible disappointment or sadness in someone's facial features. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. Its usage, though infrequent, is predominantly found in news and media contexts, aiming to evoke empathy by visually conveying emotional impact. While synonyms like "disappointed look" or "downcast face" offer alternatives, "crestfallen expression" distinctly implies a deeper sense of dejection. When using this phrase, be mindful of its intensity, reserving it for scenarios where the emotional impact is substantial to accurately reflect the character's state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappointed look

This alternative focuses on the visual aspect of disappointment, highlighting the facial expression.

dejected appearance

This phrase emphasizes the overall appearance of someone who is feeling low in spirits.

downcast face

This option highlights a sadness that is expressed through the lowering of eyes and head.

sad countenance

A more formal way of describing a face that shows sadness.

melancholy air

This phrase describes the atmosphere or feeling surrounding someone who is sad or pensive.

despondent demeanor

Focuses on overall behavior suggesting loss of hope or courage.

woebegone face

This option highlights the face that shows or suggests suffering or unhappiness.

a look of disappointment

This is a more general way of describing a facial expression that shows disappointment.

gloomy aspect

This phrase emphasizes the overall visual impression of sadness or negativity.

crestfallen visage

Using "visage" provides a slightly more elevated or literary tone than "expression".

FAQs

How can I describe a sad facial expression?

You can use phrases like "disappointed look", "downcast face", or "sad countenance" to describe a sad facial expression.

What does it mean to look crestfallen?

To look crestfallen means to appear disappointed and dejected, often after experiencing a setback or receiving bad news. The phrase suggests a visible lowering of spirits.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "crestfallen expression"?

Use "crestfallen expression" when you want to emphasize a deep sense of disappointment or sadness evident in someone's face. It's most suitable for situations with significant emotional impact.

What are some synonyms for "crestfallen"?

Some synonyms for "crestfallen" include disappointed, dejected, downcast, and despondent. Consider using these words to vary your descriptions of sadness or disappointment, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.