dismay

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dismay" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb that means to make someone feel shocked, upset, or disappointed. Example: His parents looked at him with dismay when he told them about his decision to drop out of college.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Muslim dismay at Tony Blair's co-invasion of Iraq in 2003 did not sway that decision, though it could be argued that anti-war sentiment inhibited proper post-invasion occupation planning and encouraged the Sunni insurrection against both invaders and Shia Muslims.

The Guardian

The hold-up has caused dismay in sporting circles, as it was expected to inform the development of post-Olympic policy at local and national level.

The Guardian

Word got round during the interval that it was down to the exquisite torture of penalties, and when the announcement was broadcast to "return to your seats as this evening's performance is about to continue" there was a groan of dismay.

The Guardian

In Budapest, Madi, then in her mid 40s, watched in dismay as Jews were humiliated, harassed and rounded up to be sent to labour or concentration camps.

The Guardian

They have run to the US courts to enforce their claim – to the dismay of Argentinians – and won.

The Guardian - Business

I count myself among their number, but feel I'm not alone in my dismay in witnessing the disgraceful behaviour of the current officials of the remnants of this great union in their efforts to humiliate Arthur Scargill.

The Guardian

I remember, in a National Front TV broadcast, an old soldier describing his dismay, after fighting in two world wars, that Britain had succumbed to an invasion from from the 'dark Commonwealth'.

The Guardian

The Massachusetts senator has repeatedly said she is not running for president, to the dismay of liberal groups like MoveOn.org and Democracry for America, which backed the Run Warren Run campaign.

The Guardian

Vatsikopoulos wrote of her dismay that an SBS journalism cadet, Widyan Al-Ubudy, had not got a permanent gig: "SBS sources tell me they were shocked when they heard that management did not offer the Iraqi-born reporter a job upon the completion of her cadetship, late last year.

The Guardian

But to the dismay of some prominent London Labourites, the end of the race to become the 2016 candidate has now been pushed back by the party's National Executive Committee NECC) from July 31 to September 12 in order to coincide with the naming of Ed Miliband's successor as party leader.

The Guardian

But to my dismay, the guard put the mask back on my nose and my mouth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms of "dismay", such as "consternation" or "disappointment", to keep your writing engaging.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by making sure it's clear who or what is experiencing the "dismay". Unclear attribution can confuse the reader and weaken the sentence's impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "dismay" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state of consternation and loss of courage in the face of trouble. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It can also function as a verb, meaning to cause such feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dismay" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe a feeling of disappointment and consternation, but also functions as a verb to cause such feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and formal business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Related terms include "consternation", "disappointment", and "alarm", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "dismay", ensure the context clarifies the cause of the feeling to avoid ambiguity. Using it effectively can add emotional depth and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappointment

A more general feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction.

consternation

Emphasizes confusion and anxiety caused by something unexpected.

discouragement

Highlights the loss of enthusiasm or confidence.

disheartening

Focuses on the act of losing spirit or morale, instead of a state of being.

disquiet

Focuses on a subtle but noticeable feeling of anxiety or worry.

apprehension

Focuses more on anxiety about potential future negative events, rather than current disappointment.

perturbation

Highlights the emotional agitation and disturbance caused by an event.

trepidation

Similar to apprehension, but often with a stronger sense of fear.

alarm

Indicates a sense of fear or danger.

unease

Suggests a mild form of anxiety or discomfort.

FAQs

How to use "dismay" in a sentence?

"Dismay" can be used as a noun to describe a feeling of disappointment or as a verb to describe causing that feeling. For example: "The news was received with dismay" or "The budget cuts dismayed the staff".

What can I say instead of "dismay"?

You can use alternatives like "disappointment", "consternation", or "alarm" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "to my dismay"?

Yes, "to my dismay" is a common and correct idiomatic expression. It's used to introduce a statement about something that caused you disappointment or distress.

What is the difference between "dismay" and "disappointment"?

"Dismay" often implies a stronger sense of shock or upset than simple "disappointment". While disappointment can be mild, dismay suggests a more profound sinking of the spirits.