profound disappointment

USAGE SUMMARY

"profound disappointment" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme disappointment, where one feels deeply let down or saddened. It is typically used to convey a strong and intense feeling of disappointment. Example: After months of hard work and preparation, their team lost the final match of the tournament, causing a profound disappointment to the players and their coach.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your instinct is to get – you know, be mad, to express profound disappointment and it's okay to be disappointed.

Harvard Business Review

The profound disappointment is certainly familiar.

The Guardian - Opinion

The profound disappointment is certainly familiar.

The Guardian - Opinion

Across Fort Lee there was profound disappointment.

The New York Times

Prime Minister Harper expressed his profound disappointment with the news.

The New York Times

It has been a time of profound disappointment and disillusionment.

The New York Times

Its foreign minister, Marty Natalegawa, expressed "profound disappointment" over the outcome.

The Economist

He described Mr. McCain's current view of Mr. Hagel as one of "profound disappointment".

The New York Times

Soon after the vote, the White House released a statement calling the outcome "a profound disappointment".

The New York Times

But losing can also mean steep financial loss and profound disappointment after months of effort.

The New York Times - Arts

For many progressives, 2016 will go down as a year of electoral shocks and profound disappointment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound disappointment" to express a strong emotional response to an event or situation that has not met expectations. It's particularly effective when conveying the depth of the negative feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "profound disappointment" in everyday, minor situations. Its intensity is better suited for significant events or failures. Save it for cases where the feeling is genuinely deep.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "profound disappointment" is to act as a noun phrase that typically functions as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a state or feeling. Ludwig AI confirms that it can be used to describe a state of extreme disappointment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profound disappointment" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a deep sense of letdown, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and its intensity makes it suitable for describing significant events. When writing, remember to reserve "profound disappointment" for situations where the feeling is genuinely strong, and consider alternatives like "deep dissatisfaction" or "intense frustration" for varying degrees of emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe letdown

Focuses on the act of being disappointed or failed by someone or something.

deep dissatisfaction

Focuses on the feeling of unhappiness and discontent.

great disillusionment

Emphasizes the loss of faith or trust in something previously valued.

intense frustration

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving a goal.

acute dismay

Emphasizes a feeling of alarm, concern, or distress.

bitter regret

Highlights the feeling of sorrow and remorse over something that has happened or been done.

extreme discouragement

Highlights the loss of confidence or enthusiasm.

profound sadness

Shifts the focus to the emotional impact of the disappointment.

utter despondency

Emphasizes a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage.

deep sorrow

Focuses on the intense grief or sadness experienced.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "profound disappointment" in a sentence?

Use "profound disappointment" to describe a deeply felt sense of letdown after a significant event or unmet expectation. For example, "There was "profound disappointment" after the election results were announced."

What are some alternatives to "profound disappointment"?

You can use alternatives like "deep dissatisfaction", "intense frustration", or "great disillusionment" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use an intensifier like "profound" with "disappointment"?

No, it's not always necessary. "Disappointment" can stand alone, but adding "profound" emphasizes the depth and intensity of the feeling. Choose the wording that best reflects the degree of disappointment you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "profound disappointment" and "mild disappointment"?

"Profound disappointment" indicates a deep and significant sense of letdown, whereas "mild disappointment" suggests a slight or minor dissatisfaction. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you want to express.