dismal expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression or demeanor that conveys sadness, disappointment, or gloominess. Example: "After hearing the bad news, she wore a dismal expression that reflected her inner turmoil."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When introduced into plant nuclear genomes, B.t. genes expressed poorly, and the dismal expression levels correlated well with low abundance of the full-length transcripts.

BMC Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our results extend the correlation between dismal prognosis and Kv10.1 expression to patients with brain metastases or GBMs and, moreover, they strongly suggest a role of tricyclic antidepressants for personalized therapy of brain malignancies.

BMC Cancer

In the last years, the transmembrane proteoglycan NG2 has gained interest as a therapeutic target for the treatment of diverse tumor types, including gliomas, because increases of its expression correlate with dismal prognosis.

BMC Cancer

THE figures still look dismal.

The Economist

In metastatic patients treated with anti-EGFR therapy (Group 4), diffuse TOPK expression was linked to dismal outcome despite objective response to treatment (P=0.01).

British Journal of Cancer

However, patients with metastatic CRC still face a dismal prognosis.

British Journal of Cancer

As compared to such common solid tumors, PC exhibited uniquely dismal prognosis, which is consistent with low expression of HOPX in PC.

BMC Cancer

That hashtag, which was created by twitter user @ReignOfApril, has now resurfaced, bubbling up similar expressions of disappointment by the dismal state of diversity among this year's nods. .

Huffington Post

And he cites the reported effects of the monkeys' being exposed to strong beer — "cross and dismal... aching heads... a most pitiable expression" — as suggestive evidence for the evolutionary affinity between humans and primates.

The New Yorker

Many have had dismal performance of late and have attracted few expressions of interest until now.

The New York Times

The remaining patients typically have normal, or even increased tumour MGMT expression, and 2-year survival in this group is dismal, at <15% (Hegi et al, 2005).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, consider using "dismal expression" to specifically convey a visual manifestation of sadness or disappointment. It's more impactful than simply stating they are sad.

Common error

Avoid using "dismal expression" excessively or in situations that don't warrant such a strong depiction of sadness. Overusing it can make your writing seem melodramatic or insincere. Strive for balance and appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal expression" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies an implied subject (someone's face or demeanor), portraying a state of unhappiness or gloom. Ludwig examples show usage in scientific and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dismal expression" is a valid and usable way to describe a face or demeanor that conveys sadness or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from both scientific and news contexts. While not extremely common, this phrase can effectively communicate a strong sense of unhappiness. Consider alternatives like "gloomy countenance" or "sorrowful look" to add variety to your writing. Avoid overuse to prevent your writing from sounding overly dramatic. Remember that while the phrase is correctly structured, its effectiveness depends on the context and the desired emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gloomy countenance

Replaces "dismal" with "gloomy" and "expression" with "countenance", both conveying a sad appearance.

sorrowful look

Substitutes "dismal" with "sorrowful" and "expression" with "look", emphasizing sadness.

unhappy mien

Uses "unhappy" instead of "dismal" and "mien" to describe a person's bearing or appearance, indicating unhappiness.

depressed demeanor

Replaces "dismal" with "depressed" and "expression" with "demeanor", focusing on a state of low spirits.

melancholy air

Substitutes "dismal" with "melancholy" and "expression" with "air", indicating a pensive sadness.

despondent face

Uses "despondent" in place of "dismal" and "face" instead of "expression", pointing to a loss of hope.

glum visage

Replaces "dismal" with "glum" and "expression" with "visage", both indicating a sullen or depressed look.

dreary aspect

Substitutes "dismal" with "dreary" and "expression" with "aspect", highlighting a bleak appearance.

forlorn appearance

Uses "forlorn" instead of "dismal" and "appearance" instead of "expression", suggesting abandonment or neglect.

bleak outlook

Replaces "dismal" with "bleak" and "expression" with "outlook", referring to a lack of hope or optimism.

FAQs

How can I use "dismal expression" in a sentence?

You can use "dismal expression" to describe someone's face or demeanor when they are feeling sad, disappointed, or hopeless. For example: "After receiving the news, she had a "dismal expression" on her face."

What are some alternatives to "dismal expression"?

Some alternatives to "dismal expression" include "gloomy countenance", "sorrowful look", or "unhappy mien". These phrases can add nuance and variety to your descriptions.

Is it appropriate to use "dismal expression" in formal writing?

While "dismal expression" is grammatically correct, it might be more suitable for creative or descriptive writing rather than highly formal or academic contexts. Consider the tone and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase.

What does "dismal expression" imply about someone's feelings?

A "dismal expression" typically indicates a state of sadness, disappointment, or hopelessness. It suggests that the person is not just mildly unhappy but is experiencing a deeper level of emotional distress.