despondent face

USAGE SUMMARY

"despondent face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can typically be used to describe someone's expression when they experience a negative emotion, such as sadness. For example, "She walked into the room with a despondent face, signaling her disappointment about the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Around the room, women were comforting one another as despondent face found despondent face.

The Guardian

He had the small, recessed, comically despondent face of a pug dog.

The New Yorker

Unlike Alex, Kelby did have a few loyal friends; to look into her radiant eyes while with them, versus her despondent face as she fought tears alone, is to so clearly see the difference a few accepting and brave people can make.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But that was before shooting guard Kendall Gill arrived at the arena with fierce pains from tendinitis in his right knee and a despondent look on his face.

The New York Times - Sports

While recent releases from indie's new guard – Wolf Alice, Peace, Swim Deep – are hippyishly optimistic, the Maccabees, creeping close to 30, seem despondent when faced with the future.

The Guardian - Music

*Share Your Victories * Just as it's important to become despondent when faced with the slightest setback, it's also essential to gloat when things miraculously go your way.

The New Yorker

LONDON — Paul Howard-Jones thinks he knows the answer to a question that has long puzzled both parents and professors: Why is it that the same teenagers who turn sullen and despondent when faced with a half hour of learning French verbs or organic compounds are happy to spend hours mastering the computer game Minecraft's physics engine or the counterfactual history in Call of Duty?

The New York Times

A11 ARTS & IDEAS B11-20 OB9TUARIESPORTSPORTS D1-8 Ex-Baseball Star Despondent Darryl Strawberry, facing the possibility of prison time for violating probation, told a Florida judge that bouts with cancer and drugs had sapped his will to live and had led him to go on a drug binge two weeks ago hoping it might end his life.

The New York Times

A few seconds later, a teammate went over to fetch a bat and spontaneously leaned in and for a fleeting second, put his palm to the despondent pitcher's face and whispered a couple of words.

Huffington Post

The songs are earnest and fatalistic but not despondent, as Juanes faces down violence and mortality with a hefty beat and all the cultural memories a homey accordion can hold.

The New York Times - Arts

Those close to him told investigators that he had seemed despondent recently and had been facing financial difficulties, a second law enforcement official briefed on the investigation said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "despondent face" to vividly portray a character's deep sadness or hopelessness, especially when their face is the most prominent indicator of their internal state. Avoid overuse; subtle language can often be more impactful.

Common error

Don't use "despondent face" for minor disappointments. The term implies significant emotional distress; using it lightly diminishes its impact and can sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despondent face" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "despondent" modifies the noun "face". It describes a specific appearance or expression indicating a state of deep sadness or hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "despondent face" is used to describe someone displaying profound sadness or hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase is grammatically sound, although its frequency is rare, primarily appearing in News & Media sources. Alternatives like "sad expression" or "disappointed face" can be used, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "despondent face", it's important to ensure that the context warrants such a strong descriptor to avoid sounding melodramatic. In summary, while accurate, use this phrase judiciously to ensure maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappointed face

Focuses on the disappointment as the primary emotion reflected in the face.

sad expression

A general term for a face showing sadness, less intense than despondency.

downcast face

Suggests a face looking downwards, indicating sadness, shame, or defeat.

defeated expression

Conveys the feeling of having lost or been overcome by something, visible on the face.

crestfallen appearance

Indicates a drooping or defeated look, implying disappointment and discouragement.

gloomy look

Refers to a general appearance of unhappiness and pessimism.

long face

An idiomatic expression for a sad or disappointed facial expression.

melancholy countenance

Describes a face marked by pensiveness and sadness, often with a touch of nostalgia.

forlorn features

Emphasizes the look of abandonment and loneliness in the facial features.

woebegone visage

A more dramatic and literary way to describe a face marked by woe and sorrow.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar emotion to a "despondent face"?

You can use phrases like "sad expression", "disappointed face", or "downcast face" to describe a face showing sorrow, depending on the intensity and specific emotion you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "despondent face"?

Use "despondent face" when you want to emphasize a deep feeling of hopelessness or sadness reflected in someone's facial expression. It suggests a more profound level of despair than just simple sadness.

Is "despondent face" too strong a term for everyday sadness?

Yes, "despondent face" is generally a strong term. For everyday sadness or disappointment, consider using milder alternatives such as "sad face" or "disappointed look".

What are some literary alternatives to "despondent face"?

Literary alternatives might include "woebegone visage" or "melancholy countenance", which add a more dramatic or old-fashioned tone to the description of someone's sadness. However, these are less common in contemporary usage.