dashed dreams

USAGE SUMMARY

"dashed dreams" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the disappointment and frustration one feels when something that was previously believed to be possible or achievable turns out to be impossible or out of reach. For example, "When he found out he hadn't been accepted into his dream college, he was left with dashed dreams and feeling utterly defeated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The new development ends years of dashed dreams and setbacks.

The New York Times - Arts

Even Antiques Roadshow has a good quota of dashed dreams.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sam Shepard and Christopher Durang on dashed dreams.

The New Yorker

(Rather, his sweetness and regret recall another monologue about dashed dreams: Eugene O'Neill's "Hughie").

The New Yorker

Raw Material is a book of dashed dreams, then, at the last.

The Guardian - Books

Be honest – it will save a lot of dashed dreams, heartache, wasted time and effort.

The Guardian

Was she a small-time thief with dashed dreams or an expert con artist?

The New York Times

A new book presents a catalog of dashed dreams and dodged nightmares once planned for the New York landscape.

The New York Times

Broken relationships, dashed dreams, the missed connections of life, they all pass by Mr. Wolford's knowing eyes.

The New York Times

Few companies will hire draft resisters after their release, meaning new hardships and dashed dreams for most.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a pattern repeated throughout the book---raised hopes, dashed dreams---the author, a self-described "person of vivid pink sentiments," had his liberal heart broken when Obama, once inaugurated, spoke of striking "a grand bargain" on his pet deficit and tax deal with the obstructionist Republicans.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of "dashed dreams" when choosing it over similar phrases like "unfulfilled goals". It adds a stronger sense of regret.

Common error

Avoid using "dashed dreams" in situations that are only mildly disappointing; reserve it for scenarios involving significant personal or professional setbacks. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dashed dreams" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dashed" modifies the noun "dreams". It describes a state of unrealized or ruined aspirations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dashed dreams" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the disappointment and loss associated with unrealized ambitions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and wide usage across various contexts. It's prevalent in "News & Media" and "Academic" writing, lending a sense of regret and highlighting negative outcomes. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its strong emotional connotation, and consider related phrases like "shattered aspirations" or "unfulfilled ambitions" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shattered aspirations

Implies a more forceful destruction of ambitions than "dashed dreams".

unfulfilled ambitions

Focuses on the lack of fulfillment rather than the active destruction of the dream.

failed expectations

Highlights the disappointment associated with not meeting anticipated outcomes.

abortive hopes

Suggests hopes that were cut short early in their development.

thwarted ambitions

Emphasizes the external forces that hindered the achievement of ambitions.

unrealized aspirations

Focuses on the lack of tangible results from one's aspirations.

lost opportunities

Highlights the potential that was missed rather than the dreams themselves.

bitter disappointments

Emphasizes the negative emotional impact of unfulfilled dreams.

illusory hopes

Suggests that the hopes were never realistic or well-founded.

derailed ambitions

Highlights the idea that plans and ambitions were diverted from their intended course.

FAQs

How can I use "dashed dreams" in a sentence?

You can use "dashed dreams" to describe situations where aspirations have been ruined or have failed to materialize. For example, "The economic crisis left many with "dashed dreams" of early retirement."

What is a good alternative to "dashed dreams"?

Alternatives to "dashed dreams" include "unfulfilled ambitions", "shattered aspirations", or "failed expectations" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "dashed dreams" or "unfulfilled dreams"?

"Dashed dreams" implies a more active thwarting of ambitions, while "unfulfilled dreams" simply suggests that the dreams were never realized. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize an external force or a lack of realization.

What feeling does the phrase "dashed dreams" evoke?

The phrase "dashed dreams" evokes feelings of disappointment, frustration, and loss. It suggests that something hoped for was not just delayed, but actively prevented from happening.