utterly dejected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly dejected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme sadness or disappointment. Example: "After receiving the news of his job loss, he felt utterly dejected and struggled to find motivation to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This has the desired effect on the girl--she leaves utterly dejected.

The New Yorker

Only a day later, I dragged myself out the school's door, utterly dejected.

The New York Times - Travel

Marie, 26, who comes from France and does artwork for Playstation, was utterly dejected.

The Guardian

Some were so utterly dejected by a half-century of conflict that they said they hoped a war would finally put an end to it.

The New York Times

Two months pregnant with my twin boys at the time, I pleaded morning sickness and took to my bed, utterly dejected.

The New York Times - Travel

But while Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel exchanged jokes and backslaps in the interview room, the vanquished Nico Rosberg looked utterly dejected.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He represents himself as utterly confused and dejected by his sudden change of fortune.

SEP

"I think they spent quite a bit of the meeting telling us how utterly dismayed and dejected they were about his treatment at Crewe.

BBC

But I was dejected.

The Washington Post

Impressively dejected stuff.

The Guardian - Music

"I was very dejected".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly dejected" to vividly depict a character's emotional state after a significant disappointment, enhancing the reader's empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly dejected" in situations that are only mildly disappointing, as it can sound melodramatic and reduce the impact of its use in truly significant situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly dejected" functions as an adjectival phrase, where the adverb "utterly" intensifies the adjective "dejected". Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage. The phrase describes a state of extreme sadness or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly dejected" is a grammatically sound and effective phrase for conveying a strong sense of sadness or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, lending a descriptive and somewhat formal tone. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "completely despondent" or "totally disheartened". When using "utterly dejected", ensure the context warrants the intensity of the phrase to avoid sounding melodramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely despondent

Emphasizes a total loss of hope or courage.

totally disheartened

Highlights a loss of enthusiasm or resolve.

absolutely crestfallen

Suggests deep disappointment and sadness, often after a setback.

thoroughly demoralized

Focuses on a loss of confidence or spirit.

entirely dispirited

Implies a complete lack of energy or enthusiasm.

utterly devastated

Conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by grief or shock.

profoundly discouraged

Stresses a deep feeling of losing motivation.

completely crushed

Emphasizes the feeling of being emotionally broken.

deeply saddened

A more general term for expressing profound sorrow.

inconsolably sad

Highlights a state of sadness that is difficult to alleviate.

FAQs

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

"Utterly dejected" is used to describe someone feeling extremely disappointed or sad. For example: "After losing the competition, she felt "utterly dejected"."

What are some alternatives to "utterly dejected"?

Alternatives include "completely despondent", "totally disheartened", or "absolutely crestfallen", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "utterly dejected"?

Yes, "utterly dejected" is grammatically correct. "Utterly" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "dejected", intensifying its meaning.

What is the difference between "dejected" and "utterly dejected"?

"Dejected" means sad or dispirited, while "utterly dejected" implies a much stronger degree of sadness or disappointment. The addition of "utterly" intensifies the feeling.