crestfallen face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crestfallen face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who looks sad or disappointed, often after receiving bad news or experiencing a setback. Example: "When she heard the results of the competition, her crestfallen face revealed her disappointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

His crestfallen face and the conspiratorial wink he gave us is my clearest memory of him.

Independent

I was paralysed (sic) with fear when I thought of my mother's crestfallen face and the taunts of my friends.

The New York Times

She even put on a wig before the winner of the Best British Female, for which she was nominated, was announced, so that the cameras couldn't zoom in on her crestfallen face.

Independent

From wearables to moveables, the rise of the sensornet rolls on: a Bluetooth-connected suitcase which keeps tabs on where in the world you've traveled and tracks its own location using GPS so you'll never have to leave the lost luggage department with a crestfallen face has passed $1 million raised on the Indiegogo crowdfunding website.

TechCrunch

A tight smile that says, "If your card gets declined I'm sending the CCTV footage of your crestfallen face to all my mates".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

One by one, a succession of crestfallen faces shuffled out of Girardi's office.

The New York Times - Sports

When they come to assemble the post-tournament television montages, England will merit no more than a few seconds of crestfallen faces.

Independent

Those losers are lucky enough not to have their crestfallen faces beamed round the world, but sad stories circulate about shortlisted authors hanging hopefully by the phone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Among devotees of the PlayStation brand, there must have been a few crestfallen faces when it became apparent that Killzone: Shadow Fall will be the most enticing exclusive game on offer at the PlayStation 4's launch.

The Guardian - Tech

"Then they served tiny pelmenis, kopeck-size, in a small frying pan baked under cheese and mayonnaise," Mr. Pulikovsky wrote, recalling crestfallen faces on the Siberian hosts at the arrival of the Russian meat dumplings.

The New York Times

The video of couple's crestfallen faces is heart-wrenching.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crestfallen face" to vividly portray a character's immediate reaction to bad news or failure. This phrase effectively communicates disappointment without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid using "crestfallen face" in situations that are only mildly disappointing. The phrase carries a strong emotional weight and can seem exaggerated if the context doesn't warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crestfallen face" primarily functions as a descriptive element, often serving as an adjective modifying the noun "face". Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness, highlighting its role in vividly portraying emotional states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crestfallen face" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe someone's disappointment or sadness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is not overly formal, it is best used when the level of disappointment warrants such a strong expression. Alternatives like "downcast face" or "disappointed expression" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downcast face

Focuses on the physical lowering of the head and facial features.

disappointed expression

Emphasizes the feeling of disappointment rather than the depth of sadness.

dejected look

Highlights a sense of being cast down or disheartened.

gloomy face

Highlights a general sense of unhappiness and negativity.

sad countenance

A more formal way of describing a sad face.

long face

An informal idiom for a disappointed or unhappy expression.

fallen features

Highlights the way the facial muscles droop in sadness.

mournful visage

Suggests a deeper sense of grief or sorrow.

dispirited appearance

Emphasizes the lack of enthusiasm or energy in the person's look.

chagrin expression

Focuses on the feeling of vexation marked by disappointment or humiliation.

FAQs

How can I describe a "crestfallen face"?

You can describe a "crestfallen face" using alternatives such as "downcast face", "disappointed expression", or "dejected look" to convey similar feelings of sadness or disappointment.

What does it mean when someone has a "crestfallen face"?

A "crestfallen face" indicates that someone is visibly disappointed, sad, or discouraged, often after receiving bad news or experiencing a setback. It implies a drooping or fallen appearance of the facial features reflecting their emotional state.

Is "crestfallen face" formal or informal language?

"Crestfallen face" falls within the neutral register, suitable for use in news articles, descriptive writing, and general conversation. While not overly formal, it conveys a specific meaning effectively without being slang.

What are some common causes of a "crestfallen face"?

Common causes include failure, rejection, loss, or any situation that results in significant disappointment. The expression visually communicates the impact of these negative experiences on the person's emotional state.