resigned look

USAGE SUMMARY

"resigned look" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a facial expression that expresses a feeling of resignation or acceptance of a situation. For example, "She sighed and gave him a resigned look when he asked her to clean up the mess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

They had a blank-eyed, resigned look, the kind you see in the survivors of a tsunami or a typhoon.

The New Yorker

The council officer to my left is wearing the same steely, but resigned look that I have seen on the face of every council officer I meet.

The Guardian

My wife, Nancy, had a resigned look on her face.

The New York Times - Science

I guess there's no chance, right?" he asks with a resigned look.

University of California, Berkeley

She scans the menu for "scones and cream" with a resigned look.

The Guardian - Film

Throughout the game, Summitt bore a resigned look on the sideline.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The panelists then offer brief presentations and exchange mocking or resigned looks if one of them exceeds the allotted time.

The New York Times

While Malagasy passengers wore resigned looks, foreign travellers dozed on the platform, sunned themselves and played with the child postcard-sellers, who viewed the delay as a business opportunity.

The Guardian - Travel

Cut to Mr. Rogers, seated at a table, playing cards with three other men and singing the "know when to hold 'em/know when to fold 'em" lyrics from "The Gambler". The pained, resigned looks on the men's faces are priceless, suggesting that he does that every time they play.

The New York Times

There were a few resigned looks on the faces of West Ham players when referee Stuart Atwell pointed to the spot then.

BBC

The drooping shoulders and resigned looks on French faces as they trudged back behind their posts following North's try, even with eight minutes to save themselves, did not suggest a collective belief in their ability to come out fighting.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resigned look" when you want to convey a character's acceptance of an undesirable situation, often after a struggle or realization that resistance is futile.

Common error

Avoid using "resigned look" interchangeably with expressions like 'disappointed look' or 'sad look'. "Resigned look" specifically implies acceptance, not just negative emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resigned look" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a specific facial expression. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

18%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "resigned look" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a facial expression indicating acceptance of something unpleasant. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, and less frequently in academic or scientific contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the specific emotional state you wish to convey, differentiating it from simple sadness or disappointment. Consider alternatives like "defeated expression" or "acceptance gaze" to fine-tune your description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defeated expression

Focuses more on the feeling of defeat rather than acceptance.

acceptance gaze

Highlights the aspect of acceptance rather than the negative connotation of resignation.

submissive glance

Suggests a yielding or surrendering quality, emphasizing a lack of resistance.

acquiescent stare

Implies passive agreement or compliance, often unwillingly.

fatalistic appearance

Emphasizes a belief that all events are predetermined and inevitable.

despairing face

Conveys a sense of hopelessness and loss of courage.

hopeless countenance

Highlights the absence of hope and a feeling of being without recourse.

unresisting demeanor

Focuses on the lack of opposition or struggle.

long-suffering visage

Implies a prolonged experience of hardship and patient endurance.

stoic mask

Suggests an emotionless facade in the face of adversity.

FAQs

How can I describe a "resigned look" in more detail?

You can expand on the description by adding details about the eyes (e.g., 'a resigned look in her eyes'), the mouth (e.g., 'a tight-lipped, resigned look'), or the overall posture (e.g., 'a slumped posture and a resigned look').

What does a "resigned look" imply about the person's emotional state?

A "resigned look" suggests the person has come to terms with something unpleasant or unavoidable. It often implies a sense of disappointment or sadness, coupled with acceptance.

Is "resigned look" a formal or informal expression?

"Resigned look" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding text and the overall tone of the writing.

What are some other phrases similar to "resigned look"?

You can use alternatives like "defeated expression", "acceptance gaze", or "submissive glance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.