let down

USAGE SUMMARY

"let down" is an appropriate expression that can be used in written English.
It's usually used when someone is disappointed or disheartened by an outcome. Example: I had so much hope for the project, but after failing the presentation I felt let down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You're let down, depressed.

The New Yorker

She let down her hair.

The New York Times - Tech

We feel very  let down".

Independent

"We've been let down before".

Independent

Were they let down too?

The New York Times

I let down the country".

The Economist

"We felt let down".

The New York Times

Anyone feel let down?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You've been let down".

The Guardian

We are never let down".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Biggest let-down: Russia.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let down", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being disappointed. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "let down" in situations requiring stronger language like "betray" or "abandon" when describing serious violations of trust or ethical breaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "let down" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It describes the act of disappointing someone by failing to meet their expectations or by not fulfilling a promise. Ludwig AI provides several examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "let down" is a very common way to express disappointment or the act of disappointing someone. It functions transitively, requiring an object, and holds a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts like news, media, and general conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread usage, backed by examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Remember to consider the context when choosing alternatives like ""disappoint"" or "fail" to convey the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappoint

This is a direct synonym focusing on the feeling of dissatisfaction caused.

fail

This emphasizes the inability to meet expectations or fulfill a commitment.

betray

This implies a breach of trust or loyalty, adding a stronger negative connotation.

fall short

This suggests a failure to reach a desired standard or goal.

leave in the lurch

This indicates abandonment or a failure to support someone in a difficult situation.

bring down

This emphasizes the act of causing someone to be disappointed or unhappy.

lower

This refers to physically decreasing something.

take down

Implies defeating or humbling someone.

get down

Can refer to becoming depressed or disheartened.

take down a peg

Implies diminishing someone's pride or arrogance.

FAQs

How can I use "let down" in a sentence?

You can use "let down" to express disappointment or failure to meet expectations. For example, "I promised him I would meet him there, and I will not "let him down"".

What's the difference between "disappoint" and "let down"?

"Disappoint" is a general term for causing someone to feel sad or unsatisfied. "Let down" often implies a failure to fulfill a specific expectation or promise, but "disappoint" can also be used in situations where expectations haven't been met.

What can I say instead of "let down" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using "fail to meet expectations" or ""disappoint"" as alternatives to "let down".

Is it correct to say "I felt let down"?

Yes, "I felt let down" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the feeling of disappointment. For example, "I felt "very let down" when they canceled the event."