disheartened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disheartened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of loss of hope or confidence, often in response to disappointing news or events. Example: "After hearing the news of the project's cancellation, she felt disheartened and unsure of her next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obviously, workers get disheartened and reduce their demand for work even when they need it; in other cases, the state and local authorities try to dissuade them or do not register their demand because they do not have the funds to provide the required work.

The Guardian

It's easy to be disheartened by this letter because, on the contrary, Pickles has actually done more than most in the Conservative party to undermine the prime minister's ambition to get new homes built.

The Guardian

But don't be disheartened, there are landlords who care about your welfare, maintain the house and charge reasonable prices.

The Guardian

I was totally disheartened about human beings.

The Guardian

The confederados, as they later became known, founded a handful of settlements, most of which failed owing to the combination of difficult soil, poor roads and biting ants that had disheartened many colonists before them.

The Economist

Far from being disheartened by critics, he estimates that the exhibition will receive up to 1m visitors by mid-December.

The Economist

If those same voters are disheartened, it could fall the other.Much, too, could turn on Mr Wilson's actions.

The Economist

Saying that dim or disruptive children have "special needs", or that they exhibit "challenging behaviour", does not make them easier to teach but it may prevent them being teased or disheartened.

The Economist

Already, many New Yorkers have been disheartened to learn what their favourite dishes contain.

The Economist

Once hired, they may become disheartened and quit.

The Economist

But most people would happily take an extra two years of lucidity, if it were on offer.Those who are daunted by cryptic clues need not be disheartened.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. In more formal contexts, "discouraged" or "dispirited" may be more appropriate than the colloquial "bummed out".

Common error

Avoid using "disheartened" when a stronger term like "devastated" or "grief-stricken" is more appropriate to convey the depth of emotion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disheartened" is as an adjective, describing someone's emotional state. It is often used to indicate a feeling of discouragement or loss of enthusiasm, as illustrated by Ludwig AI with various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disheartened" functions primarily as an adjective to describe a state of discouragement or loss of enthusiasm. It's considered grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, particularly in news and media contexts. While several synonyms like "discouraged" and "dispirited" exist, understanding the subtle differences in their connotations is crucial for precise communication. When writing, avoid using "disheartened" when a stronger emotion is more appropriate. Therefore, using context-appropriate language remains key to successfully communicate effectively in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discouraged

Indicates a loss of confidence or enthusiasm, often due to obstacles or setbacks.

downhearted

Suggests a feeling of sadness or discouragement, often due to unfortunate circumstances.

dispirited

Suggests a loss of spirit or morale, leading to reduced effort or motivation.

dejected

Implies a feeling of sadness and hopelessness, often due to disappointment or failure.

downcast

Describes a state of low spirits or unhappiness, often reflected in one's appearance or demeanor.

crestfallen

Signifies extreme disappointment and sadness, often after a setback or defeat.

demoralized

Suggests a loss of confidence or hope, often due to prolonged hardship or adversity.

disillusioned

Describes a state of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be.

let down

Indicates a feeling of disappointment caused by someone or something failing to meet expectations.

bummed out

Informal expression for feeling sad or disappointed.

FAQs

How can I use "disheartened" in a sentence?

You can use "disheartened" to describe someone who has lost hope or enthusiasm. For example, "After the continuous rejections, she felt "disheartened" and considered giving up her job search.".

What can I say instead of "disheartened"?

You can use alternatives like "discouraged", "dispirited", or "dejected" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "disheartened" or "discouraged"?

"Disheartened" and "discouraged" are both correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Disheartened" suggests a loss of spirit or enthusiasm, while "discouraged" suggests a loss of confidence or motivation.

What's the difference between "disheartened" and "disillusioned"?

"Disheartened" describes a feeling of disappointment, whereas "disillusioned" refers to the loss of faith in something previously believed to be good or true. For instance, one might be ""disheartened"" by a project failure but "disillusioned" by a politician's broken promises.