feel dismayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel dismayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sense of disappointment or distress about a situation or event. Example: "After hearing the news about the project's cancellation, I couldn't help but feel dismayed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

How to feel dismayed by the accused wrong-doer when he's being vilified before he's been proven to be corrupt — and when, it turns out, he's a sucker for the poetry of John Donne?

The New York Times - Books

If politics has turned into a contest between ignorance and knowledge, then places like Cambridge may be starting to feel dismayed by the realisation they are now on the losing side.

The Guardian

Hitchens's old mate Salman Rushdie is predictably acclaimed, while those who feel dismayed that George Orwell once handed a list of communist sympathisers to the British government are just as predictably mauled.

The Guardian - Books

I often feel dismayed.'".

Science Magazine

I often feel dismayed," she says.

Science Magazine

They make us feel dismayed, vulnerable and incomplete; they make our projects appear trivial, our ambitions unreachable.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But like Jack Monroe (Being trans isn't a phase you go through, 20 May), I felt dismayed as I lost my prepubescent body.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I got to "Death Comes for the Archbishop," the 1927 novel that Cather considered her best, I felt dismayed that I had lived without it for so long.

The New Yorker

The surprising move was met like a gut punch to many adults who grew up watching the beloved children's show on the public television provider, and felt dismayed that the show will soon have a paywall, thereby limiting its audience to people who can afford HBO's monthly dues.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Later, when she learned that it was an untrue report, she felt dismayed and guilty about her inadvertent role in helping to spread such a falsehood.

Huffington Post

It is partly because I accepted the Whitehall line on WMD that I feel so dismayed today, when it has been shown to be false, whether wilfully or no.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel dismayed" to express a sense of disappointment mixed with distress, especially when expectations have not been met. For example, "I feel dismayed by the lack of progress on this project."

Common error

While "feel dismayed" is acceptable in various contexts, avoid overusing it in overly formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise synonyms depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey, such as "feel disappointed" or "feel concerned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel dismayed" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of emotional reaction. It typically connects a subject (the person feeling) with the adjective "dismayed", indicating their emotional state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Unknown

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel dismayed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that effectively expresses a sense of disappointment and distress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context, opting for more precise synonyms when needed, especially in formal settings. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, highlighting its role in conveying reactions to events. When aiming to articulate a blend of disappointment and concern, "feel dismayed" is a suitable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel disappointed

Replaces "dismayed" with a more general term for disappointment.

feel discouraged

Emphasizes a loss of confidence or motivation.

feel disheartened

Similar to "feel discouraged" but can imply a more profound sense of sadness.

feel let down

Focuses on the sense of being betrayed or unsupported.

feel upset

A broader term indicating emotional distress.

feel distressed

Highlights a state of suffering or anxiety.

feel frustrated

Indicates annoyance and impatience due to being blocked from a goal.

feel dejected

Implies a feeling of sadness and hopelessness.

feel downcast

Describes a subdued mood due to disappointment.

feel sorrowful

Suggests a deep sense of sadness or regret.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel dismayed"?

To "feel dismayed" means to experience a combination of disappointment and distress, often when something unexpected or unpleasant occurs.

How can I use "feel dismayed" in a sentence?

You can use "feel dismayed" to express your reaction to an event or situation. For example, "I "feel dismayed" by the news of the budget cuts".

What are some synonyms for "feel dismayed"?

Alternatives include "feel disappointed", "feel discouraged", "feel let down", or "feel upset" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "feel dismayed" formal or informal?

"Feel dismayed" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate for expressing a considered reaction to a serious event rather than a casual expression of dissatisfaction.