let him down

USAGE SUMMARY

"let him down" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to disappoint or fail someone. Example: John promised to help his friend move, but he let him down by not showing up on the day of the move.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Bona's let him down".

The New York Times - Sports

I let him down".

The New York Times - Sports

The opposition, he added, "let him down".

The New York Times

"Who would let him down?

The New York Times

We can't let him down".

The Guardian - Sport

I can't let him down".

The Guardian

How could you let him down?

The New York Times

How could I let him down?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've let him down, on both counts".

The Guardian - Business

How can I let him down gently?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They always let him down.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let him down", consider the emotional impact on the person being let down. Choose alternative phrasing if a softer approach is needed, such as using "disappoint" instead of "let down" in certain contexts.

Common error

Ensure the subject truly has the agency to "let him down". Avoid saying "the weather let him down" when you mean "the weather thwarted his plans".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let him down" functions as a phrasal verb, where "let down" is the verb and "him" is the object. It describes the action of disappointing or failing someone. Ludwig confirms this is a very common phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let him down" is a common phrasal verb used to express the act of disappointing or failing someone. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is used across different contexts such as news, media and general communications. When writing, consider the emotional impact, and also, the context in order to select the most appropriate synonym if necessary. Remember to avoid misattributing agency to inanimate objects. Ludwig can assist in finding examples to further understand the proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappoint him

Directly conveys the act of causing disappointment.

fail him

Emphasizes a lack of success in meeting his expectations.

be a letdown to him

Uses "letdown" as a noun to describe the act of disappointing someone.

betray his trust

Highlights a breach of confidence or loyalty.

fall short of his expectations

Focuses on not reaching the level he anticipated.

not live up to his expectations

Similar to falling short, but emphasizes a continued failure.

leave him wanting

Indicates a sense of unfulfillment or dissatisfaction.

not measure up

Implies inadequacy in meeting a standard.

dash his hopes

Suggests a sudden and forceful destruction of optimism.

prove a disappointment

Highlights the outcome of causing someone disappointment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "let him down" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "disappoint him", "fail to meet his expectations", or "betray his trust" to replace "let him down".

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

"Disappoint him" is a more general term, while "let him down" often implies a prior expectation or promise that was not fulfilled. "Let down" suggests a greater degree of personal failure.

Is it always negative to say someone "let him down"?

Yes, the phrase "let him down" carries a negative connotation as it implies a failure to meet expectations or a disappointment.

What are some gentle ways to say that someone "let him down"?

Instead of saying "let him down", you might say they "didn't quite meet his expectations", "fell short of what he hoped for", or "weren't able to deliver as planned". These soften the blow.