gravely disappointed

USAGE SUMMARY

"gravely disappointed" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize how upset or let down you feel about something. For example: "I was gravely disappointed when I heard the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

These Catholics have been gravely disappointed, and not a few of them have drifted from the Church.

The New Yorker

But officials from these countries say they will be gravely disappointed if Mr. Powell does not persuade Israel to act soon.

The New York Times

Parents and community leaders who had wanted the presidential candidates to steer a course out of this mess have been gravely disappointed.

The New York Times

Later, Argentina's generals were gravely disappointed when the Reagan administration opposed their disastrous effort to seize the Falklands, then backed the country's return to democracy.

The New York Times

The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, issued a statement condemning the breakdown of the ceasefire, adding that he was "gravely disappointed by the return to hostilities".

The Guardian

I was gravely disappointed to read about the closing of Sari Nusseibeh's office in Jerusalem ("The Wrong Target," editorial, July 11).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The new report, inflated though its figures seem to be, will gravely disappoint the population obsessives.

The Guardian

US state department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Friday the US was "surprised and disappointed by North Korea's decision" and remained gravely concerned about Bae's health.

The Guardian

Insulted, disappointed.

The New York Times

How disappointed?

The New Yorker

Very disappointed.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gravely disappointed" to express a serious level of disappointment, particularly when expectations were significantly unmet or important outcomes were not achieved.

Common error

Avoid using "gravely disappointed" for trivial matters. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact, making it less effective when describing truly significant disappointments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gravely disappointed" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, expressing a strong feeling of disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and conveys emphasis on the depth of disappointment. Examples in Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from political outcomes to personal expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gravely disappointed" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a strong sense of disappointment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for conveying significant levels of dissatisfaction. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as formal business settings, indicating its versatility across different registers. While the phrase should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact, understanding its connotations and appropriate contexts can greatly enhance clarity and emotional impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terribly let down

Focuses on the feeling of being unsupported or betrayed, rather than just disappointment.

extremely disheartened

Underscores a loss of courage or enthusiasm, adding a layer of discouragement.

profoundly discouraged

Stresses a loss of motivation or hope, indicating a deeper emotional impact.

bitterly disillusioned

Highlights a loss of faith or trust, implying a more profound sense of disappointment.

seriously crestfallen

Conveys a sense of dejection and lowered spirits, more emotional than disappointed.

greatly saddened

Indicates a significant level of sorrow, broader than mere disappointment.

deeply saddened

Emphasizes sorrow and emotional impact, shifting the focus from disappointment to grief.

remarkably upset

Emphasizes disturbance and emotional distress, moving beyond simple disappointment.

severely vexed

Indicates a state of annoyance or frustration, focusing on irritation rather than disappointment.

acutely chagrined

Implies a feeling of embarrassment or humiliation, distinct from disappointment.

FAQs

How can I use "gravely disappointed" in a sentence?

"Gravely disappointed" is used to express a deep sense of disappointment. For example, "I was "gravely disappointed" by the results of the investigation".

What are some synonyms for "gravely disappointed"?

Alternatives include "deeply disappointed", "bitterly disillusioned", or "terribly let down", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "gravely disappoint"?

While "disappoint" can be used as a verb, "gravely disappointed" typically functions as an adjective phrase. Therefore, "gravely disappoint" is not a standard usage.

What's the difference between "disappointed" and "gravely disappointed"?

"Disappointed" indicates a general feeling of dissatisfaction, while ""gravely disappointed"" signifies a much stronger, more serious level of disappointment.