gravely disappointing

USAGE SUMMARY

"gravely disappointing" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is extremely disappointing or causes great disappointment. Here is an example of how it could be used in a sentence: The results of the election were gravely disappointing for the incumbent, who had been confident in their chances of winning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Daniel B. Ravicher of the Public Patent Foundation, said the decision "to deny farmers the right to seek legal protection from one of the world's foremost patent bullies is gravely disappointing".

The New York Times

The refusal to listen...is nothing new...but to find in the literary section of a major newspaper an illustration of the utterly closed mind is omehow gravely disappointing.

The New Yorker

And while it's gravely disappointing that the President of the United States can't show the same courage as the Raging Grannies, I'm thrilled the grannies are here to show him the way.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If not, I will be gravely disappointed.

TechCrunch

His friend nodded gravely.

The New Yorker

The girls nodded gravely.

The New Yorker

Small urchins angle gravely,.

The New Yorker

"Moke," it pronounced gravely.

The New Yorker

Thus filmmakers philosophize gravely".

The New Yorker

The girl watched her gravely.

The New Yorker

Most were not gravely concerned.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gravely disappointing" to convey a sense of serious disappointment, particularly when something significant has not met expectations. It's stronger than simply 'disappointing'.

Common error

Avoid using "gravely disappointing" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Its serious tone is more suited for formal or professional communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gravely disappointing" functions as an intensifier (gravely) modifying an adjective (disappointing). It amplifies the degree of disappointment, indicating a severe or significant level of dissatisfaction, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gravely disappointing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a significant level of disappointment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it follows standard English grammar. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register, though leaning towards a more formal tone. While it's a relatively infrequent expression, when used, it effectively conveys a sense of serious letdown. For alternatives, consider "profoundly disappointing" or "deeply disappointing" to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profoundly disappointing

Emphasizes the depth of disappointment.

deeply disappointing

Similar to 'profoundly' but slightly less intense.

seriously disappointing

Highlights the significant level of disappointment.

bitterly disappointing

Suggests a sense of resentment or regret.

extremely disappointing

Indicates a very high degree of disappointment.

terribly disappointing

Emphasizes the negative impact of the disappointment.

sadly disappointing

Conveys a sense of sorrow alongside the disappointment.

regrettably disappointing

Focuses on the feeling of regret associated with the disappointment.

woefully inadequate

Shifts the focus to the inadequacy of something, implying disappointment.

sorely lacking

Similar to 'woefully inadequate', emphasizing the absence of something desired.

FAQs

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

You can use "gravely disappointing" to describe a situation or outcome that has caused significant disappointment. For example, "The news of the project's cancellation was gravely disappointing."

What are some alternatives to "gravely disappointing"?

Alternatives include "profoundly disappointing", "deeply disappointing", or "seriously disappointing", depending on the context and the level of emphasis you wish to convey.

Is "gravely disappointing" a formal expression?

Yes, "gravely disappointing" is a more formal expression. It is suitable for professional writing, news reports, and situations where a serious tone is appropriate.

When should I use "gravely disappointing" instead of just "disappointing"?

Use "gravely disappointing" when you want to emphasize the severity or significance of the disappointment. It suggests that the disappointment is not minor but has serious implications or consequences.