dismayed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismayed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing feelings of disappointment or shock in response to a situation or event. Example: "She was dismayed by the sudden cancellation of the event she had been looking forward to for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He was dismayed by what he found.

The New York Times

But she was dismayed by the turnout.

The New York Times

His father was dismayed by it.

The New Yorker

He was dismayed by ideological posturing.

The New York Times

Her critics seem dismayed by the speculation.

The New York Times

Not everyone was dismayed by the assassination.

The Guardian

Insiders were already dismayed by this bias.

The Guardian

Dismayed by the TV schedules this Christmas?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ellsberg was dismayed by what he learned.

The New Yorker

Curran said he was dismayed by the news.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Christian Aid said it was 'dismayed' by the compromises.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dismayed by" when you want to express disappointment coupled with a sense of surprise or shock. Ensure the subject experiencing dismay is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "dismayed by" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound overly dramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "concerned by" or "disappointed by" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dismayed by" is to act as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of disappointment and shock. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showcasing its common occurrence across various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dismayed by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express disappointment and shock, particularly in response to unexpected events. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread across diverse contexts, especially within news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to be mindful of the emotional tone it conveys, opting for alternatives like "disappointed by" or "concerned by" in formal or professional settings when a more neutral expression is desired. With its solid grammatical standing and common usage, "dismayed by" remains a valuable tool for expressing nuanced emotional reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappointed by

Indicates a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction because something was not as good as expected; focuses on unmet expectations.

upset by

Implies a feeling of distress or unhappiness caused by something; suggests a stronger emotional reaction than merely "dismayed".

concerned by

Highlights a feeling of worry or unease about something; emphasizes apprehension rather than simple disappointment.

disturbed by

Suggests a feeling of being bothered or unsettled by something; focuses on the disruption caused by the event.

shocked by

Emphasizes surprise and disbelief, often in response to something unexpected or negative.

appalled by

Indicates a strong feeling of disgust and outrage; suggests a moral or ethical violation.

saddened by

Highlights the feeling of sorrow or grief caused by something; emphasizes emotional impact.

frustrated by

Focuses on the feeling of being annoyed and impatient due to obstacles or unmet goals.

taken aback by

Suggests surprise and mild shock; implies a brief state of bewilderment.

disheartened by

Indicates a loss of enthusiasm or hope; suggests a negative impact on morale.

FAQs

What does "dismayed by" mean?

"Dismayed by" means feeling shocked and disappointed. It expresses a sense of surprise mixed with sadness or disapproval.

What can I say instead of "dismayed by"?

You can use alternatives like "disappointed by", "upset by", or "concerned by" depending on the context.

How do I use "dismayed by" in a sentence?

You can use "dismayed by" to describe someone's reaction to an unexpected or undesirable event. For example, "She was dismayed by the news of the layoffs."

Is "dismayed by" formal or informal?

"Dismayed by" has a neutral register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives may be preferred in highly formal writing to avoid sounding overly emotional.