profound dismay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound dismay" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling of extreme disappointment or distress. Example: After failing her final exam, Jane felt a profound dismay settle over her. She had worked hard all semester, but it seemed like her efforts had not paid off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Oregon's governor, Kate Brown, spoke of her "profound dismay and heartbreak" at the killings.

The Guardian

Kercher's family expressed profound dismay when Knox and Sollecito were acquitted in March.

The Guardian

Race and slavery lie at the heart of Perkinson's vision of American penology, and a profound dismay infuses the rhetoric of his opening pages.

The New York Times - Books

The anger and profound dismay among many Israelis has been reflected in newspaper columns and editorials in the last two days.

The New York Times

To his profound dismay, Mr. Campion - who, unknown to him, was at a rehearsal, surrounded by the other actors - barked obscenities into the phone.

The New York Times

Harvey had a magnetic resonance imaging test to address persistent discomfort in his right forearm, and it showed, to his shock and the Mets' profound dismay, that the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow was partially torn.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"I think there's a profound sense of dismay and anger that the institution of the university — and it's not just here, obviously — but that institution is being harmed; it's being damaged in very fundamental ways".

The New York Times - Sports

"The initial feeling on reading the stories was one of profound shock and dismay, but if the FA prove these allegations I don't think Gregory will ever be able to set foot in Villa Park again," said Richard Arrowsmith, a former chairman of the club's Supporters Trustt.

The Guardian - Sport

Adrian Bradshaw, the deputy commander of the NATO forces in Afghanistan, apologized "I wish to convey my profound regrets and dismay.

Wikipedia

Michael Heseltine, a Conservative Party fixture since the government of Margaret Thatcher, lit into Johnson in an interview with the BBC, saying that Johnson's withdrawal and his role in the campaign to remove Britain from the European Union created a "profound sense of dismay and, frankly, contempt" in the party.

Los Angeles Times

Another reader wrote: "It is with profound regret and utter dismay that I see you have given space to Kelvin MacKenzie, who was responsible for printing one of the most hurtful, disgusting and outrageous editions of any British newspaper that there has ever been.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound dismay" to express a strong and serious feeling of disappointment or distress, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "profound dismay" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or stilted. Opt for simpler expressions like "very disappointed" or "really upset" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound dismay" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "profound" intensifies the noun "dismay", indicating a significant degree of disappointment or distress. As Ludwig AI explains, it's generally used to describe a feeling of extreme disappointment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound dismay" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a deep sense of disappointment or distress. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's most appropriate in formal and professional contexts, particularly in news and media reporting. While alternatives like "deep disappointment" or "extreme disappointment" exist, "profound dismay" carries a stronger emotional weight. When employing this phrase, consider your audience and the level of formality required, avoiding its overuse in casual settings to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound sadness

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the sadness felt.

deep disappointment

Focuses on the feeling of letdown and unfulfillment.

extreme disappointment

Emphasizes the intensity of the disappointment.

great sorrow

Highlights the sadness and grief associated with the situation.

deep regret

Focuses on the feeling of remorse or wishing things had been different.

utter shock

Emphasizes the surprise and disbelief caused by an event.

intense grief

Highlights a severe and overwhelming sorrow.

acute distress

Focuses on the sharp and intense pain or suffering.

grave concern

Emphasizes the seriousness and worry about a situation.

deep consternation

Implies a feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound dismay" to express strong disappointment or distress. For example, "The community expressed "profound dismay" at the proposed development plan."

What can I say instead of "profound dismay"?

You can use alternatives like "deep disappointment", "extreme disappointment", or "great sorrow" depending on the context.

Is "profound dismay" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "profound dismay" is suitable for formal writing, such as news articles, reports, and official statements, where a strong expression of disappointment or distress is warranted.

What distinguishes "profound dismay" from simple disappointment?

"Profound dismay" indicates a much stronger and deeper level of disappointment and distress than just simple disappointment. It suggests a significant emotional impact or a serious cause for concern.