disbelief

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disbelief' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used in contexts to mean a lack of belief or trust in something, such as a statement or idea, or a feeling of doubt towards that thing. For example, "The news of his death was received with disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said he spent the next few minutes walking in a circle in his living room and dining room in disbelief, his dogs trailing him, before he finally called his 27-year-old son to give him the news.

The Guardian

When you reveal that you are, in fact, describing Canberra, you may be met by looks of disbelief.

The Guardian - Travel

In Athens, news of the undercover tax agents was quick to spark ridicule and widespread disbelief.

The Guardian

The Mill doesn't expect you to believe everything you read in the papers, or indeed in the Mill, so we ask you to willingly suspend your disbelief for this plot twist: Tom Cleverley is a man in demand, as Aston Villa AND Everton want him when he becomes a free agent this summer.

The Guardian - Sport

While they rejoiced, their opponents dragged themselves from the turf in utter disbelief, the west London divide gaping wider than ever.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a deep, heavy sigh – halfway between disbelief and the dawning realisation that this was really going to bugger up her day.

The Guardian

To the mortified disbelief of their biggest attendance of the season, Cardiff's players were even worse than in their recent 4-0 defeat at home to Hull.

The Guardian - Sport

You can see there's a level of disbelief, that they're thinking, 'That's not possible.'" The words "not possible", however, are not in Daldry's vocabulary.

The Guardian - Film

It wasn't carping so much as disbelief.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's, like, going viral," he says, in disbelief.

The Guardian - Music

Related: Fifa scandal fallout: Russia in disbelief over threat to World Cup 2018 Related: Said & Done special: So, farewell then Sepp – it's been emotional.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disbelief" to convey a strong sense of incredulity or when someone is unwilling to accept something as true. For a milder form of doubt, consider using "skepticism" or "uncertainty".

Common error

Avoid using "disbelief" as a verb. "Disbelief" is a noun, while "disbelieve" is the verb. For instance, say "I expressed my disbelief" (noun) instead of "I disbeliefed it" (incorrect). To use the verb, say "I disbelieve his story."

Linguistic Context

The noun "disbelief" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It denotes a state of mind characterized by the inability or unwillingness to accept something as true. Ludwig AI confirms its standard use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "disbelief" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun signifying a state of incredulity or unwillingness to accept something as true. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to express doubt, skepticism, or rejection of a claim. While its register is generally neutral, the emotional intensity can vary based on the specific scenario. For alternatives, consider "incredulity", "skepticism", or "unbelief". Remember that "disbelief" is a noun, not a verb; use "disbelieve" as the verb form. With its frequent occurrence and clear function, mastering the use of "disbelief" will enhance your writing's precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incredulity

A more formal synonym emphasizing an inability to believe something.

unbelief

A direct synonym, indicating a lack of belief.

skepticism

Highlights a questioning attitude and doubt towards claims.

doubt

A general term for uncertainty or lack of conviction.

distrust

Emphasizes a lack of faith or confidence in someone or something.

lack of faith

Focuses on a deficiency in trust or belief.

cynicism

Suggests a pessimistic view and doubt about the sincerity of others' motives.

suspicion

Suggests a feeling of doubt and mistrust, often without proof.

reservations

Indicates hesitations or doubts about something.

misgiving

Implies a feeling of unease or doubt about the outcome of something.

FAQs

How can I use "disbelief" in a sentence?

"Disbelief" is a noun that describes a state of being unable or unwilling to believe something. For example, "She stared in disbelief at the scene before her" or "His claims were met with widespread disbelief".

What words can I use instead of "disbelief"?

You can use alternatives like "incredulity", "skepticism", or "unbelief" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I have disbelief"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it's more common and natural to say "I feel disbelief" or "I am in disbelief". "I have disbelief" sounds slightly awkward.

What's the difference between "disbelief" and "disbelieve"?

"Disbelief" is a noun, representing the state of not believing something. "Disbelieve" is a verb, meaning to not believe something. For example, "I felt disbelief when I heard the news" (noun), and "I disbelieve his explanation" (verb).