utter dejection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter dejection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of complete and profound sadness or hopelessness. Example: "After receiving the news of her friend's passing, she fell into utter dejection, unable to find joy in anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Frustration had turned into hope, then celebration, only to end up in the utter dejection of a season-ending loss.

Princeton University

For any teachers needing to bounce back or share in utter dejection this blunt instrument can wield, it's worth checking out.

The Guardian

Your best line of defence against utter dejection is simply to talk to people.

Science Magazine

The final whistle brought celebrations from both sets of fans - but utter dejection for the tormented Rooney.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Teixeira's demeanour was, at this point, perfect shorthand for the wider mood: dejection and lethargy on the pitch, distrust and utter distaste off it.

The Guardian - Sport

Can a fully stocked major league baseball team, about to snatch the fruits of victory, blow the deal time and again and sink into a state of utter disgust, grief, despondence and, to add insult to injury, dejection, too? "Yeah," said Dusty Baker, the manager of the Chicago Cubs, the team that most closely fits that mopey description.

The New York Times - Sports

Dejection for captain Arconada.

The Guardian - Sport

Just total dejection from Columbus.

The Guardian - Sport

His dejection was short-lived.

The New York Times

Utter frustration.

Independent

Utter nonsense!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. "Utter dejection" is a strong phrase and should be reserved for situations where the emotional impact is truly significant.

Common error

Avoid using "utter dejection" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for synonyms like "deep despondency" or "complete despair" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter dejection" functions as a noun phrase that typically describes a state of profound sadness or hopelessness. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, characterizing a person's emotional condition following a negative event. Ludwig provides examples showing it used to describe the aftermath of loss or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Utter dejection" is a phrase used to describe a state of profound sadness and hopelessness. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and can effectively convey intense negative emotions. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The Guardian and BBC, often in the context of news reporting and academic analysis. For alternative expressions, consider "complete despair" or "deep despondency". When using this phrase, remember that it's a strong expression and using similar phrases can help avoid sounding melodramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete despair

Focuses on the total loss of hope.

deep despondency

Emphasizes a state of low spirits and discouragement.

profound sadness

Highlights the intensity of the sorrow experienced.

abject misery

Suggests a state of extreme unhappiness and suffering.

crushing disappointment

Focuses on the feeling of extreme letdown.

overwhelming sorrow

Highlights the intense burden of sadness.

heartbreaking grief

Suggests a deep emotional pain caused by loss.

total hopelessness

Emphasizes the absence of any positive outlook.

extreme discouragement

Highlights the loss of confidence and motivation.

unmitigated gloom

Focuses on the complete lack of positivity or cheer.

FAQs

What does "utter dejection" mean?

"Utter dejection" describes a state of complete and profound sadness, hopelessness, or discouragement. It signifies a deep emotional low.

How can I use "utter dejection" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the team lost the championship, an atmosphere of "utter dejection" settled over the stadium", or "The news of the company's bankruptcy plunged him into "utter dejection".

Are there alternative phrases to "utter dejection"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "complete despair", "deep despondency", or "profound sadness" to express similar feelings of hopelessness.

What is the difference between "utter dejection" and "sadness"?

"Utter dejection" implies a more intense and overwhelming feeling than simple "sadness". It suggests a complete loss of hope and a deep emotional burden.