downcast face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downcast face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who appears sad, dejected, or disheartened. Example: "After hearing the disappointing news, she walked away with a downcast face, unable to hide her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Her downcast face.

The New York Times

Scott's downcast face was telling after the game.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a moment of fear, but looking up into his downcast face, he appears vulnerable, lost within his own inner world.

Independent

It is roughly six inches high, and its arms and legs have been broken off, but the exhausted, downcast face and emaciated torso of Jesus have been realized with a striking anatomical and psychological realism, creating a heartbreaking pathos.

The New York Times - Arts

(Mr. McDonald's downcast face gives him a minor resemblance to Mr. Walken.) The movie is full of characters, notably Mort Tom Noonann), who gets Vic the equipment he needs to prepare for the robbery.

The New York Times

People ask me all the time "What's the coolest thing you've seen" and like a football stadium toilet attendant being asked how his Sunday went, I always reply with a downcast face and a sad, slow sigh.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Now it is the city of downcast faces.

The Guardian

In short, Luhansk, under the LPR, has become a city of downcast faces.

The Guardian

Looking at the downcast faces, my friend Elizabeth Stewart said, "Never fear, Cake Doctor's here".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Mistakes are part of the process," said Frank, who later noted that he saw some downcast faces among his players during the Warriors' run.

The New York Times - Sports

He tapped into the despair of this obscured world while also making room for the poetry and derelict beauty of its dilapidated buildings, neon signs, peeling walls and downcast faces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downcast face" to vividly depict a character's emotional state, especially when contrasting it with their words or actions to create dramatic irony or highlight internal conflict.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly describing characters with a "downcast face" in scenes with extensive dialogue. Instead, vary your descriptions by focusing on other non-verbal cues such as body language, tone of voice, or specific actions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downcast face" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding detail to a noun (person/character) by highlighting their emotional state. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in news and literary contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "downcast face" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to describe a facial expression indicating sadness or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English to depict someone who appears dejected or disheartened. The primary context of usage is within news and media, with a neutral register. Alternative expressions include "dejected expression" and "sorrowful countenance". When writing, avoid overuse in dialogue-heavy scenes and consider other non-verbal cues. Use "downcast face" to add depth and emotion to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dejected expression

Focuses on the overall expression of dejection rather than specifically the face.

sorrowful countenance

Emphasizes a formal and profound sense of sorrow in the facial appearance.

sad facial expression

A more general way to describe a face showing sadness.

crestfallen look

Conveys disappointment and discouragement in one's appearance.

disheartened visage

Visage is a more formal term for face, suggesting a loss of spirit.

gloomy face

Highlights the gloominess or somberness of the facial expression.

melancholy appearance

Shifts the focus to the overall appearance rather than just the face, suggesting a pervasive sadness.

despondent features

Focuses on specific facial features that indicate despondency.

depressed look

Indicates a general appearance of depression.

unhappy face

A simple and direct way to describe a face showing unhappiness.

FAQs

How can I describe a sad facial expression?

You can use phrases like "dejected expression", "sorrowful countenance", or "sad facial expression" to describe a sad facial expression, each offering a slightly different nuance.

What does it mean when someone has a downcast face?

A "downcast face" typically indicates sadness, disappointment, or dejection. It suggests that the person is feeling low or disheartened.

Which is more appropriate, "downcast face" or "sad face"?

"Downcast face" implies a specific posture and expression of sadness, where the eyes are often lowered. "Sad face" is a more general term. The choice depends on the level of detail you wish to convey. Consider using "sad facial expression" if you are looking for a generic alternative.

How can I use "downcast face" in a sentence?

You might say, "After losing the game, the athlete had a "downcast face"" or "She presented a "downcast face" upon hearing the bad news."