resigned face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resigned face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys acceptance or surrender to a situation, often implying a sense of defeat or giving up. Example: "After hearing the news, she wore a resigned face, knowing there was nothing more she could do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But his tired body and resigned face suggested that he was No. 2 to Lysacek.

The New York Times - Sports

Irrera is in his late forties and has a doughy, resigned face.

The New Yorker

Short wavy strokes make the jacket vibrate in contrast with the quiet application of paint on the sad, resigned face.

The New York Times - Arts

Watzke and BVB Director of Sport Michael Zorc have been putting on a brave – or rather resigned – face these last 24 hours.

Independent

Bebb's wife Gwen Watford, whom he married in 1952, put on a brave, if resigned, face when their home was turned upside down to accommodate the invasion of yet another large batch of records: "She never understood that to have a passionate collector as a husband guarantees faithfulness," he said.

The Guardian

Paul Giamatti's pudgy, froggy, resigned face has become a hallmark of mid-life American indie dramedy, and so it goes here, but Thomas McCarthy's well-meaning and largely well-received movie sympathises so much with its hero, it lets him get away with … well, nothing like murder, but at least aggravated wrongdoing.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The radio is filled with the news of the traffic jam, and the camera scans the grimly resigned faces of other drivers who, like Laure, are trapped on the road.

The New York Times

I will never forget their weary, resigned faces as I embarked on teaching them how to calculate the area of a circle knowing full well they would fail at it again, for the fourth year in a row.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ironically, as Barrett pointed out, Walker became Milwaukee County executive in a special election in 2002, after the previous officeholder resigned facing the possibility of a recall.

Huffington Post

The harshness of their world, the layers of grime, is captured in that evocative way of great Depression-era photos, a kind of desolate beauty found in resigned faces, in run-down hovels, in plates that dwarf a single potato.

Los Angeles Times

But Foreman, 54, said he could not bear to resign face to face with Ross Greenburg, the president of HBO Sports.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resigned face" to concisely convey a blend of disappointment and acceptance in a character or subject. It effectively illustrates an internal state without lengthy descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "resigned face" in situations that call for more active emotions like anger or defiance. It's most effective when portraying a quiet, internal acceptance rather than outward displays of emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resigned face" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun (typically a person) to indicate their emotional state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. This descriptive function enhances imagery and narrative depth.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Film

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "resigned face" is a descriptive term used to portray a blend of disappointment and acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable English phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, primarily in news, media and arts contexts. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while the phrase is effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Considering semantically related alternatives such as "defeated expression", "disappointed look", or "accepting demeanor" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defeated expression

Focuses on the visible manifestation of defeat, rather than acceptance.

accepting demeanor

Highlights the acceptance aspect, downplaying the negative emotion.

disappointed look

Emphasizes the feeling of disappointment.

crestfallen appearance

Indicates a more dramatic drop in spirits and confidence.

dejected countenance

A more formal and literary way to describe a sad and discouraged face.

forlorn gaze

Suggests a sense of loneliness and abandonment.

weary visage

Conveys tiredness and resignation combined.

submissive expression

Highlights compliance and lack of resistance.

pessimistic outlook

Shifts focus from facial expression to overall mindset.

fatalistic attitude

Indicates a belief that events are predetermined and inevitable.

FAQs

What does "resigned face" mean?

A "resigned face" describes a facial expression that shows a mixture of disappointment and acceptance, often implying a sense of defeat or a lack of resistance to an undesirable situation.

How can I use "resigned face" in a sentence?

You might say, "Despite the setback, he wore a "resigned face", indicating he knew there was little else he could do."

What are some alternatives to "resigned face"?

You can use alternatives like "defeated expression", "disappointed look", or "accepting demeanor" to describe a similar emotional state.

What kind of situations are best described using the phrase "resigned face"?

The phrase works best in describing situations where a character has passively accepted a negative outcome or is displaying a lack of resistance. In these cases, consider other options before using "resigned face" to prevent overwriting the emotion/situation.