let everybody down

USAGE SUMMARY

"let everybody down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to disappoint or fail to meet the expectations of everyone. It can be used in various contexts, such as when discussing a person's actions or behavior that caused disappointment or when referring to a team or group's failure to achieve a goal. Example: "I'm sorry, I know I let everybody down by not completing the project on time." "The team's loss in the championship game really let everybody down." "My parents always had high hopes for me, but I feel like I've let everybody down by dropping out of college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Like he let everybody down".

The New York Times - Sports

What if he let everybody down?

The New York Times - Sports

"I felt like I let everybody down," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I felt like I had let everybody down," Terry said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I felt like I let everybody down," Glavine said.

The New York Times - Sports

I felt I let everybody down, my coach and my family".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Obviously, you feel like you're letting everybody down," Pettitte said.

The New York Times - Sports

You feel like you're letting everybody down, letting your boys down.

The New York Times - Sports

I wasn't feeling well and I felt like I was letting everybody down".

The New York Times - Sports

"A full-scale emotional collapse is the minimum required to justify letting everybody down".

The New York Times

"When Mike struggles, he feels like he lets everybody down," Hamilton said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let everybody down", consider the specific emotional impact you want to convey. Is it disappointment, betrayal, or simply unmet expectations? Choose words that amplify that emotion for greater effect.

Common error

While "let everybody down" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive or simplistic. Vary your language with more sophisticated synonyms like "failed to meet expectations" or "disappointed stakeholders" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let everybody down" functions as a verb phrase expressing an action that results in disappointment or failure to meet expectations. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable. The examples confirm its usage in various contexts to express feelings of regret and failure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let everybody down" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys disappointment or failure to meet the expectations of others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for expressing feelings of regret and responsibility. While generally neutral in register, it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, consider the specific emotional nuance you want to convey and choose synonyms if a more formal tone is required. Avoid overuse in formal contexts to maintain a professional and engaging style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a disappointment to all

Directly states the act of being a disappointment.

disappoint everyone

Focuses specifically on causing disappointment.

let the team down

Specifies disappointment within a team context.

fail to meet expectations

Highlights not achieving what was hoped for.

fall short of what was needed

Emphasizes inadequacy in fulfilling a requirement.

fail to deliver

Emphasizes a failure to provide something expected.

not live up to hopes

Concentrates on not reaching anticipated levels.

be found wanting

Highlights a deficiency or inadequacy.

betray trust

Underscores the violation of confidence.

leave people wanting

Suggests a sense of incompleteness or dissatisfaction.

FAQs

What does "let everybody down" mean?

The phrase "let everybody down" means to disappoint a group of people or fail to meet their expectations. It often implies a sense of responsibility or obligation to those who feel disappointed.

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

You can use "let everybody down" in a sentence like: "I felt like "I let everybody down" when I missed the deadline", or "The team's performance "is letting everybody down" this season".

What are some alternatives to "let everybody down"?

Some alternatives to "let everybody down" include "disappoint everyone", "fail to meet expectations", or "not live up to hopes". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "let everyone down" and "let everybody down"?

The phrases "let everyone down" and "let everybody down" are essentially interchangeable and carry the same meaning. Both express the idea of disappointing a group of people or failing to meet their expectations.