downcast

USAGE SUMMARY

'downcast' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb, adjective, or noun to describe a feeling or attitude of being downhearted, glum, dispirited, or despondent. Example sentence: She was too downcast to go to work today.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chris Robshaw, the England captain who left this pitch six weeks ago a downcast man after defeat by the All Blacks, was happier, though.

The Guardian - Sport

It takes me so long to get over it and I'm always so downcast.

The Guardian - Film

And that left the tedium to ITV, the perennially downcast Adrian Chiles figure of British television.

The Guardian

He noticeably searches for his next point and repeats himself, speaking with a heavy-lidded and often downcast visage, as if your tired, exasperated granddad converted a kitchen lecture you didn't want to hear into a TED talk you want to hear less.

The Guardian - Opinion

Walker, meanwhile, although he had hoped for more from the government, refused to be downcast.

The Guardian

Like Cotillard's Sandra, Rosetta was another downcast young woman seeking stability and employment, but in a recent interview Luc Dardenne highlighted the difference.

The Guardian - Film

Her downcast Diana eyes were nauseating, her snobbery was guiltily enjoyable.

The Guardian

FedEx will instead buy more long-range 777 aircraft from Airbus's rival, Boeing.Which way will the trade winds blow?With America's Democrats regaining control of Congress and anti-free-trade rhetoric on the increase, you might expect Mr Smith, a lifelong committed free-trader, to be downcast.

The Economist

One row settled, another festers A bonus for Silvio Berlusconi Andris Berzins, a hard-pressed Latvian ReprintsWhile Mr Berlusconi was cock-a-hoop this week, the team of prosecuting magistrates was downcast.

The Economist

Coal exporters are downcast, as they also face low global prices for the black stuff.Mining share prices have tumbled.

The Economist

"Welcome to the good old Turkey," tweeted Mehmet Simsek, the finance minister.Related topics Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi Turkey Elections and voting Politics Government and politicsPolitical analysts were less downcast.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downcast" to subtly convey a feeling of sadness or dejection without being overly dramatic. It's particularly effective when describing someone's expression or demeanor.

Common error

Avoid using "downcast" when describing severe or prolonged sadness. While it indicates a temporary dip in spirits, clinical depression requires professional diagnosis and is a much more serious condition. Opt for stronger terms or descriptions when conveying severe mental health issues.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "downcast" is an adjective, describing a state of being sad or looking downwards. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. The examples show its descriptive capacity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

The Economist

25%

Independent

15%

Less common in

Film

5%

Opinion

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "downcast" is frequently used to describe a state of low spirits or a downward gaze, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous examples. Its neutrality makes it appropriate across various registers, with a prevalence in news media and literature. While synonyms like "dejected" or "despondent" exist, "downcast" offers a subtle way to depict sadness. Remember to avoid confusing temporary "downcast" feelings with clinical depression. In essence, "downcast" is a versatile and reliable term for expressing a subdued emotional or physical state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dejected

Focuses specifically on the feeling of being disheartened or low-spirited.

despondent

Highlights a sense of hopelessness and loss of courage.

disheartened

Emphasizes the loss of enthusiasm or hope.

crestfallen

Suggests a feeling of disappointment, often after a setback.

low-spirited

Describes a temporary state of reduced mood or energy.

glum

Conveys a sullen or gloomy mood.

looking down

Emphasizes the physical act of directing one's gaze downward.

with heavy heart

Indicates a sense of sadness or sorrow.

in low spirits

Similar to low-spirited, but emphasizes the condition of one's mood.

depressed

Signifies a more prolonged and severe state of unhappiness.

FAQs

How can I use "downcast" in a sentence?

You can use "downcast" to describe someone's mood or eyes. For example: "He looked "downcast" after the game", or "Her eyes were "downcast", reflecting her sadness".

What does it mean to have a "downcast" expression?

A "downcast" expression typically indicates sadness, disappointment, or dejection. It often involves lowered eyes or a general drooping of facial features.

What can I say instead of "downcast"?

You can use alternatives like "dejected", "despondent", or "disheartened" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is "downcast" formal or informal?

"Downcast" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider more nuanced synonyms to precisely capture the emotion.