dejected look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dejected look" 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 look that spoke volumes about her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lundqvist, sitting at his locker wearing a dejected look, was not backing down from any of this.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Federer takes his own service game far away from the dejected looking Philippoussis to give himself a considerable lead.

The Guardian - Sport

A brand new defensive pairing was tried for the final 15 minutes as Sam Cook joined Layla Guscoth.Francis was switched to WD as more combinations were tested.Dunn and Cookey took their fine domestic form to the international scene as England took control against an increasingly dejected looking side.

The Guardian - Sport

As I watched the Spurs walk off the court with dejected looks on their faces, likely wondering "why" after their Game 7 loss, I too, asked myself "why," as in, why haven't I appreciated the Spurs more over the past decade?

Huffington Post

He looked dejected; he looked like a man who had his dreams robbed from him.

BBC

At some point during the second half of Notre Dame's loss to Florida State on Sunday night, I started to imagine a New York Post back cover featuring a dejected-looking Ben Hansbrough, alongside a 72-point headline reading "BIG LEAST".

The New York Times

They look dejected and demoralised.

Independent

MENTION banking crises to an official from Mexico's central bank, and he will roll his eyes and look dejected.

The Economist

For Boris's coronation everyone furiously waves the Russian flag, although when the ceremony is over they immediately look dejected and wander aimlessly off.

The New York Times - Arts

9.37pm BST Cameroon's Nicolas N'Koulou and Stephane Mbia look dejected at the end of their defeat at the hands of Mexico.

The Guardian - Sport

The students all look dejected.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dejected look" to vividly portray someone's disappointment or sadness following a setback or negative news. This phrase helps convey the emotional impact without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid using "dejected look" in situations that are only mildly disappointing. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Consider less intense alternatives for minor setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dejected look" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "dejected", meaning sad or dispirited, with the noun "look", referring to someone's facial expression. Ludwig AI confirms this, and examples show it describing emotional states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dejected look" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase to describe someone's sadness or disappointment. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While not very common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When writing, use "dejected look" to effectively portray sadness, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "dispirited expression" or "downcast gaze" for nuanced contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despondent face

Replaces "dejected" with "despondent", indicating a deeper sense of hopelessness reflected in the facial expression.

dispirited expression

Replaces "dejected" with "dispirited" and "look" with "expression", maintaining a similar connotation of low spirits.

downcast gaze

Substitutes "dejected" with "downcast" and "look" with "gaze", emphasizing a lowered or directed-downward expression.

crestfallen appearance

Replaces "dejected look" with "crestfallen appearance", highlighting the overall aspect of being disheartened.

sad countenance

Substitutes "dejected" with "sad" and "look" with "countenance", using a more formal term for facial expression.

heartbroken expression

Emphasizes the emotional pain behind the expression, suggesting deep sorrow.

melancholy air

Replaces the physical "look" with an intangible "air", suggesting an atmosphere of sadness surrounding the person.

sorrowful aspect

Replaces "dejected look" with "sorrowful aspect", conveying a general appearance marked by sadness.

gloomy visage

Substitutes "dejected" with "gloomy" and "look" with "visage", employing more dramatic and literary language.

defeated demeanor

Shifts from a specific facial feature to the overall "demeanor", reflecting a sense of failure or loss.

FAQs

How can I describe a facial expression similar to a "dejected look"?

You can use phrases like "dispirited expression", "downcast gaze", or "sad countenance" to convey a similar sense of sadness or disappointment.

Is "dejected look" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "dejected look" is suitable for formal writing, but consider alternatives like "dispirited expression" or "downcast gaze" for a more nuanced tone depending on the context.

Can "dejected look" be used to describe objects or situations?

No, "dejected look" is typically used to describe the facial expression of a person. To describe a situation or object as sad or disheartening, use adjectives like "bleak", "depressing", or "disheartening".

What is the difference between "dejected look" and "defeated look"?

While both convey negative emotions, "dejected look" implies disappointment or sadness, while "defeated look" suggests a sense of having lost or been overcome. A "defeated demeanor" shows resignation, whereas a "dejected look" focuses more on sadness and disappointment.