look of resignation

USAGE SUMMARY

"look of resignation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a facial expression of someone feeling resigned or defeated. Example: The CEO's look of resignation was evident as he reluctantly laid off his loyal employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Kevin had a look of resignation.

The New Yorker

Kessel smiled, yawned, then offered a fleeting look of resignation.

The New York Times - Sports

He had a look of resignation across his reddened face.

The New York Times - Sports

That is when Cueto circled off the mound with a wince and a look of resignation.

The New York Times

His shoulders sagged and his grin had turned to a look of resignation.

The New York Times - Sports

He watched the first of them from the trackside television interview gantry, a look of resignation on his face.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is met with looks of resignation but also grim satisfaction from the audience.

The Guardian

Ms. Sinai has a broad, powerful face that dominates much of the film; it alternates between looks of resignation and optimism, but never despondence.

The New York Times - Arts

The Arizona Republican paused, then gave a dramatic thumbs down, eliciting gasps from the Democratic side of the chamber and grim looks of resignation from the GOP leadership that had spent the past few hours trying to get him to change his mind.

The Washington Post

There are small moments when "Daughter From Danang" hits like a slap, for example, when Heidi wipes her mother's kiss from her cheek; when the physical resemblance between them is strongest; when hope drains from their faces and gives way to stony looks of resignation.

The New York Times

Cotillard's look of faint resignation seems to say: it is a French film, after all.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "look of resignation" to vividly depict a character's emotional state, particularly when they are facing unavoidable circumstances or accepting a negative outcome. It's effective in conveying a sense of defeat or subdued acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "look of resignation" when the subject's acceptance is actually enthusiastic or willing. The phrase suggests a reluctant or subdued acknowledgment, not active agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look of resignation" functions as a noun phrase that modifies a verb, often describing how someone appeared or felt. It indicates the presence of a particular emotional state through a visible expression. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look of resignation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a facial expression indicating acceptance of an undesirable situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show it frequently appears in News & Media sources. While alternatives like "air of resignation" or "expression of defeat" exist, "look of resignation" specifically denotes a visible manifestation of subdued acceptance, and should not be confused with enthusiastic agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resigned expression

Shortened version focusing on the facial aspect, maintaining the core meaning.

air of resignation

Focuses more on the overall atmosphere or impression conveyed, rather than a specific facial expression.

demeanor of resignation

Indicates an attitude reflected in someone's behaviour and appearance.

expression of defeat

Emphasizes the feeling of being beaten or overcome.

air of dejection

Focuses on the visible sadness and lowered spirits.

sense of hopelessness

Highlights the lack of optimism or expectation of positive outcomes.

feeling of acceptance

Implies a passive acknowledgment of an undesirable situation, without necessarily showing sadness.

attitude of defeatism

Focuses on a mindset predisposed to failure or negative outcomes.

countenance of despair

Refers to the facial appearance marked by intense sadness or loss of hope.

acceptance of fate

Highlights the passive agreement or submission to an inevitable outcome.

FAQs

How to use "look of resignation" in a sentence?

You can use "look of resignation" to describe someone's facial expression when they are facing an undesirable situation they can't change. For instance: "He had a "look of resignation" when he realized the flight was canceled".

What can I say instead of "look of resignation"?

You can use alternatives like "air of resignation", "expression of defeat", or "sense of hopelessness" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "look of resignation" or "air of resignation"?

Both "look of resignation" and "air of resignation" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Look of resignation" refers specifically to a facial expression, while "air of resignation" describes a general atmosphere or feeling of acceptance.

What's the difference between "look of resignation" and "look of disappointment"?

"Look of resignation" implies acceptance of an undesirable outcome, while "look of disappointment" suggests sadness or regret that something didn't go as planned. Resignation suggests a giving up, while disappointment can still hold a glimmer of hope or a desire for change.