downcast look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downcast look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that conveys sadness, disappointment, or dejection. Example: "After hearing the bad news, she wore a downcast look that spoke volumes about her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She can respond to a harmony in the piano with a downcast look.

The New York Times - Arts

THE little ladybug has a downcast look, her blue eyes nearly teary, her pencil-thin mouth in deep frown.

The New York Times

Papa Smurf has the downcast look of a smurf who has compromised his artistic integrity, and knows it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As the two players walked through a gantlet of spectators to the 18th tee, many of them slapping palms with both Choi and Toms, there was no way to ignore the downcast look on McDowell's face.

The New York Times - Sports

She'd notice a gleam of curiosity in the eyes, a generous smile, an anxious grinding of teeth, a disappointed and resigned slope to the shoulders, the sorrow in a downcast look.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Week 2 brought the first examples of the show's dramatic core, the cutting of players, with its downcast looks and false-positive doublespeak.

The New York Times - Arts

But Ms. Kim and the lead actor, Paul Dano, turn down the emotional volume, betting that whispers and downcast looks will be more effective than shouting and raging.

The New York Times

On the left you have a downcast looking man in an ill-lit room, while on the right you have a grinning man with an almost ludicrously chiselled physique.

BBC

The girl is downcast, looking intently at the floor.

Unicef

She is so frail, and her downcast face looks so forlorn that one contemporary reviewer referred to her as a consumptive; Brooks described her simply as "a poor girl who was cold".

Wikipedia

Beverly Blossom, 73, an alumna of the Alwin Nikolais company, presented "Sorry, Miss," a bittersweet solo in which she portrayed a downcast-looking, frumpily dressed woman who swayed sadly to a recording of Sibelius's "Valse Triste".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downcast look" when you want to specifically describe a facial expression that conveys sadness, disappointment, or dejection. It is suitable for both descriptive writing and more formal contexts, as seen in news articles.

Common error

Avoid using "downcast look" to describe mild pensiveness or concentration. It specifically denotes a sadness or disappointment, not just any introspective state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downcast look" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to describe a person's facial expression. It acts as an adjective-noun combination, modifying the appearance to indicate a state of sadness or dejection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "downcast look" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to describe a facial expression indicative of sadness, disappointment, or dejection. As supported by Ludwig's analysis and real-world examples, it's frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, reserving it for expressions genuinely conveying sorrow, not just pensiveness. Alternatives like "dejected expression" or "sad countenance" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality or emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dejected expression

Replaces "downcast" with "dejected" and "look" with "expression" maintaining the meaning of sadness.

crestfallen expression

Emphasizes disappointment and discouragement in the facial expression.

gloomy expression

Conveys a sense of unhappiness and pessimism through facial expression.

sad countenance

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a sad facial expression.

melancholy gaze

Highlights a sorrowful and pensive gaze.

somber mien

Uses formal language to denote a grave and serious facial expression.

disheartened appearance

Focuses on the overall appearance reflecting a lack of enthusiasm.

despondent air

Shifts from a specific facial feature to an overall feeling of hopelessness.

depressed demeanor

Broadens the scope to include general behavior and attitude reflecting sadness.

pessimistic outlook

Focuses on a negative perspective influencing facial expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "downcast look" to describe someone's facial expression, such as: "After receiving the news, she had a "downcast look" that betrayed her disappointment."

What phrases are similar to "downcast look"?

Alternatives include "dejected expression", "sad countenance", or "crestfallen expression", all describing a saddened facial expression.

Is it appropriate to use "downcast look" in formal writing?

Yes, "downcast look" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing a character's emotional state in a narrative or report. It's commonly found in news and media.

What emotions does a "downcast look" typically convey?

A "downcast look" usually conveys emotions such as sadness, disappointment, dejection, or grief. It suggests a heavy-hearted or disheartened state.