utterly crestfallen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly crestfallen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is extremely disappointed or dejected. Example: "After hearing the news of his team's loss, he felt utterly crestfallen and couldn't muster the energy to celebrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He signs her paper graciously, and looks utterly crestfallen.

The Guardian

He looks utterly crestfallen when his bossy friend Lucy tells him that he must prove he is a winner.

Independent

When they betray their fans in films, there is always bound to be a kid at the corner of the frame, looking utterly crestfallen.

Independent

And then, lo and behold, it happened, just as most people familiar with the Romo narrative knew it would, complete with the obligatory camera shot showing Jerry Jones looking utterly crestfallen in his skybox.

The New York Times - Sports

It is some story for Coleman, who had revealed on the eve of this game that he considered quitting three years ago, when Wales were hammered 6-1 by Serbia – only 180 miles from Zenica – in a World Cup qualifier that left him utterly crestfallen.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. Marcus said he was "crestfallen, absolutely crestfallen".

The New York Times

I was absolutely crestfallen.

The Guardian

2.21pm: Nicola Sanders looks absolutely crestfallen.

The Guardian - Sport

The Italian may have ended crestfallen, but the 33-year-old had been imperious in propelling the Azzurri to the final, his performances against England and Germany utterly mesmerising.

The Guardian - Sport

They looked crestfallen.

The New Yorker

The students seemed crestfallen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly crestfallen" to emphasize a strong feeling of disappointment or dejection. It conveys a sense of being completely let down and disheartened by an event or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly crestfallen" too frequently in your writing. While it's a valid expression, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your vocabulary to describe different degrees of disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly crestfallen" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of extreme disappointment. The word 'utterly' intensifies the adjective 'crestfallen', emphasizing the depth of the feeling. Ludwig AI provides examples showing its use in describing someone's appearance or emotional state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly crestfallen" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, serving as an adjectival phrase to describe a state of extreme disappointment. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to convey a strong sense of dejection, often found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it should be used judiciously to avoid overuse. Synonyms like "completely dejected" or "deeply disappointed" can provide variety. The examples found on Ludwig highlight its use in describing reactions to unfavorable events, confirming its place as a vivid and effective way to communicate profound disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely dejected

Emphasizes the feeling of being cast down or disheartened, focusing on the internal emotional state.

totally disheartened

Highlights the loss of spirit or courage, suggesting a more profound sense of discouragement.

absolutely crushed

Indicates a feeling of being overwhelmed and broken by disappointment, conveying a stronger emotional impact.

deeply disappointed

Focuses on the feeling of dissatisfaction and unmet expectations, a more general term for disappointment.

inconsolably sad

Emphasizes the inability to be comforted, suggesting a profound and lasting sorrow.

bitterly disappointed

Highlights the intensity and negative feelings associated with the disappointment, suggesting a sense of resentment.

crestfallen

Omits the intensifier, depicting a state of being discouraged or dispirited, but to a lesser degree.

devastated

Focuses on the destructive impact of the disappointment, implying a significant loss or setback.

heartbroken

Implies a deep emotional pain, often associated with loss or betrayal, a more intense and personal feeling.

let down

Suggests a feeling of being failed or abandoned, highlighting the relational aspect of the disappointment.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly crestfallen" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly crestfallen" to describe someone's extreme disappointment. For example: "After the announcement, he looked "utterly crestfallen"."

What's a synonym for "utterly crestfallen"?

Synonyms include "completely dejected", "totally disheartened", or "absolutely crushed", each carrying a slightly different nuance of disappointment.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly crestfallen" in formal writing?

Yes, "utterly crestfallen" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although consider your audience and the overall tone. In more formal contexts, "deeply disappointed" might be a safer choice.

What's the difference between "crestfallen" and "utterly crestfallen"?

"Crestfallen" describes a general state of disappointment, while "utterly crestfallen" intensifies the feeling, suggesting a more profound and overwhelming sense of letdown. The addition of 'utterly' simply amplifies the original term.