shattered expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

'shattered expectations' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a person or event has failed to meet expectations. For example: "John's poor performance in the exam shattered all expectations his parents had for him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The plot, which became known as "mensalão," because the bribe payments were made monthly, shattered expectations.

The New York Times

It blew a hole (another one) in our already shattered expectations of presidential behavior.

The New York Times

His improvisation gave Canisius an 85-84 victory and started a day of shattered expectations at Pepsi Arena.

The New York Times - Sports

Trump shattered expectations with an election victory that revealed deep anti-establishment anger among American voters and set the world on a journey into the political unknown.

The Guardian

He had been regarded by Whitehall as a safe, establishment figure, but shattered expectations in a series of reports condemning conditions in prisons.

The Guardian

If so, we're witnessing the end for a player who has shattered expectations for both big men and international players in the NBA, but whose outsized influence is only truly beginning to take hold.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

So she stuns him, calling him a "traitor". Naturally, that opinion changes over the course of the film, but it's interesting to see this shattered expectation play out.

Forbes

Obama came into office promising to shatter expectations of what was possible in Washington.

The Guardian

While I like to think Amalía enjoys shattering expectations and blurring gender stereotypes, was I being cruel to deny my daughter something that everyone around her seemed to be consider a God-given right for a female?

The New York Times

KGW News reports that the state's dispensaries generate $3.5 million in the first day, shattering expectations that the state would only generate $9 million in net tax revenue for the entire year of 2017.

Independent

Claims to "shatter expectations" (79) or "shatter the orthodoxy of passivity" (127) also evince a sometimes dismissive attitude to the work of other crime historians.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shattered expectations", consider the emotional impact you want to convey. The phrase is strong, implying a significant level of disappointment or failure. Ensure the context justifies the intensity of the expression.

Common error

While "shattered expectations" is a vivid expression, it can sound melodramatic in everyday conversation. Reserve it for situations where the disappointment is truly significant, opting for simpler phrases like "didn't meet expectations" in less serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shattered expectations" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It vividly describes a situation where anticipations have been severely disappointed. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shattered expectations" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to express significant disappointment when outcomes fall far short of what was anticipated. As indicated by Ludwig, it is suitable for use in various contexts, including news media, academic writing, and general conversation, though care should be taken to avoid overuse in informal settings. The phrase is often found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Related phrases include "dashed hopes" and "unfulfilled promises", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thwarted expectations

Highlights the act of someone or something preventing expectations from being realized.

disappointed hopes

Focuses on the feeling of disillusionment when expectations are not met.

failed aspirations

Directly states the lack of success in achieving goals.

dashed hopes

Emphasizes the disappointment associated with unrealized aspirations.

crushed ambitions

Suggests a complete and devastating failure of one's goals.

frustrated dreams

Conveys the idea of aspirations being thwarted or blocked.

unmet goals

Simply indicates that the objectives were not achieved.

deflated hopes

Emphasizes the reduction in optimism and enthusiasm.

unfulfilled promises

Highlights the failure to deliver on commitments or pledges.

ruined prospects

Focuses on the negative impact on future possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "shattered expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "shattered expectations" to describe situations where hopes or predictions have been severely disappointed. For example, "The company's financial results shattered expectations, leading to a stock price drop."

What are some alternatives to "shattered expectations"?

You can use alternatives like "dashed hopes", "unfulfilled promises", or "disappointed hopes" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "shattered expectations" or "didn't meet expectations"?

"Shattered expectations" implies a greater degree of disappointment and surprise than "didn't meet expectations". Use "shattered expectations" when the outcome was significantly worse than anticipated.

What does it mean when someone says their "expectations were shattered"?

It means that something happened that was far worse than they anticipated or hoped for. It suggests a significant negative surprise and a strong feeling of disappointment.