disillusioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disillusioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be. Example: "After years of working in the industry, she felt disillusioned by the lack of integrity among her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're largely dependent on whistleblowers – normally disillusioned chuggers – to enlighten us, as in last year's investigation by Dispatches.

The Guardian - Opinion

But to get there she has had to "detoxify" the party of its past and its tribal beliefs in order to make it appeal to those who are disillusioned with the mainstream right and left parties in France but who cannot bring themselves to vote for a group of racist thugs.

The Guardian

People I know are disillusioned with the system and want PR and don't believe in mainstream politics and I realise that although there is always room for improvement and modernisation, politics is always going to involve compromise and I feel those of my age who hold unrealistic ideological notions are wasting the opportunity many people across the world are denied.

The Guardian

For the growing numbers of voters disillusioned by Westminster politics, the prospect of an SNP bloc in parliament providing a pressure from the left on Labour is an attractive one.

The Guardian - Opinion

At a time when people are so disillusioned with politics, it's moving to realise that at heart, it's about caring for people and designing the kind of society that you want".

The Guardian - Film

But I have never felt so disillusioned with my profession as I have over the last 12 months.

The Guardian

She enjoys spending time in the lab, but a bit disillusioned with the system for academic research.

The Guardian

Having left CBS crime drama Person Of Interest in 2013, she went back to theatre, disillusioned.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But she became disillusioned shortly after joining, taking issue with the political education (PE) programme in the party.

The Guardian - Books

"Much of what I saw in Geneva really disillusioned me about how my government functions and what its impact is in the world," he said.

The Guardian

He's never before voted SNP, but he's now considering it, disillusioned with Labour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "disillusioned" with prepositions like "with" or "by" to clearly indicate the cause of the disillusionment (e.g., "disillusioned with politics", "disillusioned by the system").

Common error

While "disillusioned" is a powerful word, avoid using it vaguely. Always specify what caused the disillusionment to maintain clarity and impact. Instead of saying "He was disillusioned", specify "He was disillusioned with the company's new policies".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disillusioned" is as an adjective, describing a state of disappointment and loss of faith. Ludwig AI indicates it correctly describes the state of someone who has lost their illusions. It can also function as the past participle of the verb "disillusion".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "disillusioned" is used to describe the state of being disappointed because you have discovered that something is not as good as you had believed. Ludwig AI confirms that "disillusioned" is correct and frequently used in English. It commonly appears in News & Media. When using "disillusioned", specifying the cause of the feeling strengthens the statement. Alternatives include "disenchanted", "disappointed", and "cynical", depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disenchanted

Implies a loss of charm or enchantment, similar to losing an illusion.

disappointed

A broader term indicating a feeling of sadness or displeasure due to unmet expectations.

cynical

Suggests a distrust of others' motives, often stemming from disillusionment.

jaded

Implies weariness and a lack of enthusiasm, often after negative experiences.

disheartened

Indicates a loss of courage or enthusiasm.

disspirited

Means a loss of spirit or morale.

let down

Expresses a feeling of betrayal or failure to meet expectations.

estranged

Suggests a loss of connection or belonging, which can lead to disillusionment.

discontented

Indicates a lack of satisfaction or happiness with one's circumstances.

unimpressed

Means not feeling admiration or respect.

FAQs

How can I use "disillusioned" in a sentence?

"Disillusioned" describes a feeling of disappointment when discovering something isn't as good as believed. Example: "After the investigation, many were "disillusioned with" the organization's practices."

What's a good alternative to saying "disillusioned"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "disillusioned" include "disenchanted", "disappointed", or "cynical".

Is it correct to say "disillusioned by" or "disillusioned with"?

Both "disillusioned by" and "disillusioned with" are correct. "Disillusioned by" often refers to a specific event or revelation causing disillusionment, while "disillusioned with" often refers to a general dissatisfaction or loss of faith.

What causes someone to become "disillusioned"?

People become "disillusioned" when their beliefs or ideals are challenged by reality, leading to a loss of faith or optimism. This can result from experiencing corruption, broken promises, or hypocrisy.