profound disillusionment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound disillusionment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep sense of disappointment or loss of faith in something that was once believed in or valued. Example: "After years of working for the company, she felt a profound disillusionment with its leadership and direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But beneath FTheVote's goofiness is a profound disillusionment.

The Guardian

There was a period of really profound disillusionment, there's no point me trying to dress that up.

The Guardian

The nihilism was infectious, and, after briefly studying civil engineering in 1966, West went through a period of profound disillusionment.

The Guardian - Arts

Nolan did not emerge from prison any less conservative, but he says he experienced a profound disillusionment, which has led him to play a central role in a cause that is only now finding its moment.

The New Yorker

There have been confounding trips to the supermarket and painful reunions with his mother, hard-won victories over his fear of speaking in public and profound disillusionment over his own inability to accept his past.

The New York Times

The call for chemical libertarianism has many of the hallmarks of other radical populist shifts: it is founded in profound disillusionment, it is a devil-may-care revolt and it is already handily rooted in nationalism (international sport being a place where an open distaste for the foreigner is positively encouraged).

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It revealed a profound public disillusionment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even though the formal tameness and visual rigidity of Minimalism and Conceptualism, the dominant movements in the United States in the 1960's and 70's, seem far removed from the tumultuous times in which they developed, many historians believe that these, too, were born of profound political disillusionment.

The New York Times - Arts

It has been a time of profound disappointment and disillusionment.

The New York Times

Not surprisingly, when the impostor is exposed, the victims experience profound hurt and disillusionment, having trusted implicitly in the schemer against a chorus of naysayers.

The New Yorker

When they were assassinated and the student movement split into angry factions, Hunter's disillusionment was profound.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "profound disillusionment" with an explanation of its consequences. Describing the impact of this feeling clarifies its significance and helps readers understand the character's or subject's subsequent actions or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "profound disillusionment" to describe minor setbacks or everyday disappointments. The phrase suggests a fundamental shift in perspective after a significant loss of faith, not just mild frustration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound disillusionment" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of deep disappointment and loss of faith, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig AI. It specifies the type or degree of disillusionment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

12%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound disillusionment" is a noun phrase that describes a deep and intense disappointment, typically stemming from a significant loss of faith or trust. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its common usage in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations where the disappointment is truly significant, avoiding overuse for minor setbacks. Related phrases like "deep disenchantment" or "intense disappointment" can offer subtle variations in meaning, as seen with the examples from Ludwig. Best practices involve establishing the initial hope or idealism and detailing the consequences of the disillusionment for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep disenchantment

Replaces "disillusionment" with "disenchantment" to slightly alter the tone, maintaining the intensity of the feeling.

intense disappointment

Uses "disappointment" instead of "disillusionment", focusing on the feeling of being let down rather than a loss of faith.

severe disillusionment

Substitutes "profound" with "severe" to highlight the intensity of the disillusionment.

deep-seated disappointment

Highlights the depth and lasting nature of the disappointment.

extreme disenchantment

Emphasizes the extent of the disenchantment.

utter disappointment

Conveys a complete and absolute sense of disappointment.

thorough disenchantment

Implies a comprehensive and complete sense of disenchantment.

complete loss of faith

Focuses on the resultant loss of belief rather than the feeling of disappointment itself.

profound disappointment and cynicism

Adds "cynicism" to the initial disappointment to express a loss of hope for the future, or a general distrust of people.

sense of betrayal

Highlights a situation where disillusionment results from perceived disloyalty.

FAQs

How can I use "profound disillusionment" in a sentence?

You can use "profound disillusionment" to describe a deep sense of disappointment and loss of faith. For example: "After witnessing the corruption firsthand, he experienced a "profound disillusionment" with politics."

What are some alternatives to "profound disillusionment"?

Alternatives include "deep disenchantment", "intense disappointment", or "severe disillusionment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "very profound disillusionment"?

Yes, using "very" with "profound" can be redundant, as "profound" already implies a deep or intense feeling. It's generally better to stick with just "profound disillusionment" for clarity and impact.

What kind of situations typically lead to "profound disillusionment"?

"Profound disillusionment" often arises from situations involving betrayal of trust, exposure to corruption, or the failure of an ideology or system one once believed in.