dejected expression

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Such a dejected expression of fashion doesn't exactly stimulate a woman's imagination.

The New York Times

Wearing a dejected expression, shrugging her shoulders, and serving at featherweight speeds, Black, 15, refused to yield to the taller Lottner's aggressive backcourt power strokes.

The New York Times

Swift, however, notices Till has a dejected expression as he leaves and changes her mind.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If the benediction is accompanied by a dejected and pained facial expression, and one deals with someone who is gravely ill, physical death will be understood.

The New York Times

A dejected look washes over her face.

HuffPost

They look dejected and demoralised.

Independent

The students all look dejected.

Huffington Post

As they quickly filed out of a meeting Friday where GOP leaders officially announced the bill was doomed, many with dejected facial expressions, Republican House members said it was on them to work out their differences during this period of one-party control — and acknowledged it would not be easy.

The Washington Post

While there, he left behind Steve Jobs, his body dejected and worn down despite his face retaining the same expression from the iconic photograph, carrying an old Macintosh and a sack.

Vice

But I was dejected.

The Washington Post

Impressively dejected stuff.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dejected expression" to vividly portray a character's emotional state in narratives or descriptions. It effectively communicates disappointment or sadness without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "dejected expression" in dialogue tags. Instead, show the character's dejection through their actions or words to create a more immersive experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dejected expression" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies an implicit subject (e.g., 'she wore a dejected expression') to indicate a state of sadness or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to convey emotional states.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dejected expression" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, predominantly found in news and media contexts to describe a facial expression conveying sadness or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness. While less frequent than some alternatives, it effectively communicates a specific emotional state. When writing, consider varying your descriptions by using related phrases like "downcast face" or "sad look" to avoid repetition and enhance your narrative. Avoid overusing the phrase in dialogue tags; instead, show the character's dejection through actions and words. Keep in mind that is considered rare, so diversify your style with alternative phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sad look

A simpler, more direct way of describing a facial expression of sadness.

downcast face

Emphasizes the downward direction of the gaze and facial features, indicating sadness.

gloomy face

Emphasizes the lack of light or happiness in one's expression.

defeated look

Suggests a facial expression that conveys a sense of loss or failure.

crestfallen look

Focuses on the visual aspect of disappointment, suggesting a drooping or fallen appearance.

despondent appearance

Indicates a state of low spirits and loss of hope.

dispirited countenance

Highlights a loss of spirit or enthusiasm in one's face.

heartbroken face

Emphasizes profound sadness and emotional pain.

melancholy visage

Implies a deeper, more prolonged sadness reflected in the face.

sorrowful mien

Refers to a sad or mournful demeanor or appearance.

FAQs

How can I describe a "dejected expression" in more detail?

You can elaborate by describing specific features like downcast eyes, a slumped posture, or a trembling lip to enhance the imagery of the "dejected expression".

What emotions does a "dejected expression" typically convey?

A "dejected expression" generally conveys feelings of sadness, disappointment, discouragement, or defeat, depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to using "dejected expression" in writing?

Consider using alternatives such as "downcast face", "sad look", or "dispirited countenance" to add variety to your writing.

Is it appropriate to use "dejected expression" in formal writing?

Yes, "dejected expression" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing characters or situations in a professional or academic context.