sorely let down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorely let down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of deep disappointment or dissatisfaction with someone or something. Example: "After waiting for hours, I was sorely let down when the event was canceled at the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At best this is an empty sop to a community sorely let down by government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hulk Hogan would have been sorely let down by that effort.

The Guardian - Sport

Reviews are useless — when I've relied on them in the past I've been sorely let down.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But any left feeling optimistic from previous years would've been immediately let down sorely disappointed.

Vice

She let down her hair.

The New York Times - Tech

We feel very  let down".

Independent

Were they let down too?

The New York Times

I let down the country".

The Economist

You're let down, depressed.

The New Yorker

But I feel let down".

BBC

Let down.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorely let down" when you want to emphasize a strong feeling of disappointment, especially when expectations were not met by someone or something.

Common error

While "sorely let down" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in very formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "deeply disappointed" or "greatly disheartened" in professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorely let down" functions as a descriptive expression, typically modifying a subject to indicate a strong feeling of disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing unmet expectations or disillusionment, supported by examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sorely let down" is used to express a strong feeling of disappointment when expectations are not met. While grammatically correct and acceptable in various contexts, it's relatively rare. Ludwig AI analysis suggests it's most common in news and media, with neutral register, but may be too strong for formal/scientific writing. Consider alternatives like "deeply disappointed" or "greatly disheartened" in more formal settings. Ensure the intensity of disappointment aligns with the context to use the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply disappointed

Focuses more on the emotional impact of disappointment, lacking the element of being 'let down' by someone or something.

roundly disappointed

Emphasizes the extent of the disappointment, rather than the feeling of betrayal implied in 'let down'.

bitterly disillusioned

Emphasizes a loss of faith or ideals, suggesting a more profound sense of disappointment.

greatly disheartened

Similar to discouraged, but with a stronger emphasis on a loss of spirit or enthusiasm.

utterly betrayed

Stresses the violation of trust, which is a component of being let down, but more intense.

severely frustrated

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or hindered, rather than specifically let down.

extremely discouraged

Indicates a loss of motivation or hope, which can result from being let down.

woefully unsatisfied

Indicates a lack of fulfillment or contentment, which may arise from being let down, but it's a broader term.

terribly saddened

Shifts the focus to sorrow or grief, which might be a consequence of being let down, but not the core meaning.

badly failed

Focuses on the act of failing rather than the feeling of being let down by someone else.

FAQs

How can I use "sorely let down" in a sentence?

You can use "sorely let down" to express a strong feeling of disappointment when someone or something fails to meet expectations. For example, "After relying on the reviews, I was "sorely let down" by the book".

What are some alternatives to "sorely let down"?

Alternatives include "deeply disappointed", "greatly disheartened", or "bitterly disillusioned", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sorely let down" a formal or informal expression?

"Sorely let down" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for most contexts, but it might be less appropriate in very formal or academic writing, where "deeply disappointed" might be preferred.

What does "sorely" emphasize in the phrase "sorely let down"?

The word "sorely" intensifies the feeling of being "let down", emphasizing the depth and strength of the disappointment. It implies a significant level of unmet expectations or a betrayal of trust.