filled with dismay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with dismay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being overwhelmed or deeply troubled by something negative or disappointing. Example: "She was filled with dismay upon hearing the news of the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The kings, leaning on their spears, were coming out to survey the fight, being in great anxiety, and when old Nestor met them they were filled with dismay.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The point is, things have been going pretty well for the Jayhawks, but after I sent the dorm tour to a fellow Kansas diehard, his reply was filled with dismay: "If you were serious about playing basketball, why would you not go to Kentucky?" Answer: for the most part, you do.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When parents discover their children are lying to them, they are usually filled with keen dismay, sometimes incredulity, puzzlement or anger, and underneath it all, always, in my experience, with sadness.

Huffington Post

They have filled her with dismay.

The New York Times

DANA PAIKOWSKY Oberlin, Ohio, July 28, 2011 To the Editor: Thane Rosenbaum's Op-Ed article filled me with dismay.

The New York Times

When I made the mistake of informing him of grandiose plans the company had for a paperback advertising campaign, this was his comment: "They filled me with dismay.

The New Yorker

And in my case vanity (I suppose) filled me with dismay at the thought of ever inflicting such an experience on my friends.

The Guardian - Books

"[T]he faults of these poor stories glared at her dreadfully and filled her with dismay".

Huffington Post

Digital estate planning is certainly a vital service that none of us can ignore, but many of the other services offered filled me with dismay.

Huffington Post

We soon entered into the world of fertility clinics and reproductive medicine — a world filled with hope, euphoria, and dismay.

The New Yorker

I understand why so many Indians feel a need for radical change, and why the thought of another five years of dithering and corrupt Congress government fills them with dismay.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled with dismay" to vividly express a strong feeling of disappointment or discouragement, especially when someone's expectations have been significantly unmet.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "filled with dismay" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "overwhelmed with disappointment" or "consumed by despair" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with dismay" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being overwhelmed by negative emotions. It follows a subject + verb + adjective phrase structure, enhancing descriptive writing, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "filled with dismay" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a strong sense of disappointment or discouragement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and formal business communication. While effective, it's advisable to vary your writing with synonyms to avoid repetition. Remember to use it to vividly convey a moment when expectations are significantly unmet. Furthermore, other expressions like "overwhelmed with disappointment", or "consumed by despair" can be used as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed with disappointment

Emphasizes the feeling of being overpowered by disappointment, suggesting a strong emotional impact.

consumed by despair

Highlights the consuming nature of despair, indicating a deeper and more profound sense of hopelessness.

stricken with consternation

Focuses on the shock and bewilderment caused by something unexpected and negative.

crestfallen

A more concise and direct way to express feeling dejected and disappointed.

dejected and disheartened

Combines feelings of sadness and loss of motivation or hope.

sunk in despondency

Suggests a state of deep sadness and lack of enthusiasm.

downcast and discouraged

Highlights a lowering of spirits and a loss of confidence.

disheartened

Implies a loss of spirit or enthusiasm.

disappointed

A general term for feeling let down when expectations are not met.

chagrined

Expresses a feeling of embarrassment and annoyance at having failed or been humiliated.

FAQs

How can I use "filled with dismay" in a sentence?

You can use "filled with dismay" to describe a person's reaction to disappointing news or events. For instance, "She was filled with dismay when she learned about the project's cancellation."

What can I say instead of "filled with dismay"?

You can use alternatives like "overwhelmed with disappointment", "consumed by despair", or "stricken with consternation" depending on the context.

Is "filled with dismay" formal or informal?

"Filled with dismay" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it might be more common in slightly more elevated or descriptive contexts.

What's the difference between "filled with dismay" and "disappointed"?

"Filled with dismay" conveys a stronger sense of negative emotion than simply "disappointed". Dismay suggests a degree of shock, anxiety, or discouragement beyond mere disappointment.