grave disappointment

USAGE SUMMARY

"grave disappointment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a strong feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction about something. For example: The city council's decision to raise taxes was met with a great deal of grave disappointment from citizens.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

At one point I heard the hiss and hush and exhale of grave disappointment.

The New Yorker

That is a grave disappointment".This is a triumph for the regiment of lies.

The Economist

"Miss Potter" is a grave disappointment, because it never listens out for that note.

The New Yorker

He sighs and shakes his head: I am a grave disappointment.

The New Yorker

On Monday, Mr. Fertig said the decision, which effectively ended 12 years of litigation, was a grave disappointment.

The New York Times

It depends on trust and confidence and yet invites the possibility of fraud or, at the very least, grave disappointment.

The New York Times - Magazine

He expressed grave disappointment that the international community has not found the necessary political will to deliver the ambitious response required to the crisis.

Columbia University

The Bush administration's repudiation of the International Criminal Court is a grave disappointment with lasting, harmful implications.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We know there have been serious setbacks and grave disappointments over the last decades.

The New York Times

Mickenberg finally tells these forgotten stories, full of hope and grave disappointments.

University of Chicago

FDR, JFK, and Bill Clinton are considerable heroes to realists and grave disappointments to arch idealists.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave disappointment" when you want to express a strong sense of letdown or failure to meet expectations, particularly in formal or serious contexts. Consider the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey; "grave disappointment" implies a significant emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "grave disappointment" in casual or lighthearted situations. The phrase's formality can sound overly dramatic or out of place in informal conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very disappointed" or "really let down".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave disappointment" functions as a noun phrase, where "grave" modifies "disappointment" to emphasize its intensity. Ludwig shows it is used to express a significant feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave disappointment" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong sense of sadness or dissatisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its formal tone suits serious discussions. Alternatives like "deep regret" or "intense dissatisfaction" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the disappointment is truly significant, avoiding overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense dissatisfaction

Focuses on the lack of fulfillment or pleasure.

deep dissatisfaction

Emphasizes the lack of fulfillment or pleasure.

utter dismay

Emphasizes shock and distress caused by the disappointment.

deep regret

Emphasizes sorrow over a past event, rather than unfulfilled expectations.

serious letdown

A more informal way to express disappointment, lacking the gravity of "grave disappointment".

bitter disillusionment

Suggests a loss of faith or idealism after a negative experience.

profound sadness

Highlights the emotional impact of the disappointment.

great sorrow

Emphasizes the feeling of grief and sadness.

major setback

Focuses on the obstacle created by the disappointment, rather than the emotion itself.

acute frustration

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something.

FAQs

How can I use "grave disappointment" in a sentence?

You can use "grave disappointment" to express a strong feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction. For example, "The team expressed its grave disappointment with the referee's decision" or "The failure of the negotiations was a grave disappointment to all involved".

What phrases are similar to "grave disappointment"?

Similar phrases include "deep regret", "intense dissatisfaction", and "utter dismay". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "grave disappointment" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "grave disappointment" leans towards the formal side. In everyday conversation, you might prefer simpler expressions like "very disappointed" or "really let down".

What makes "grave disappointment" different from just "disappointment"?

The adjective "grave" intensifies the feeling of disappointment, indicating that it is profound, serious, and has significant implications. Simply saying "disappointment" does not convey the same level of severity.