utterly dismayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'utterly dismayed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to show a strong feeling of disappointment or despair. For example: Upon seeing the damage, I was utterly dismayed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He looked utterly dismayed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He put on a brave face, but must have been utterly dismayed.

The Economist

He was reported to be utterly dismayed by the news, which has stopped filming just six weeks into the shoot.

The Guardian

Simon Cooke, the leader of the Conservatives on Bradford council, said he was "utterly dismayed" by the latest move.

The Guardian

However, I was utterly dismayed to see that Simon characterized Berthe Morisot as a "worthy but minor painter" and criticized Calasso because she figures "prominently" in his book.

The New York Times - Books

Mrs Livinenko said she was "utterly dismayed" by the ruling and suggested it was the result of a deal between governments in London and Moscow.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Utterly shocked".

The Guardian

I am stunned, utterly disappointed and dismayed".

The New York Times

I picked up "The Catcher in the Rye" at the library when I was ten years old, thinking it was a baseball book, and was very quickly and utterly confused and dismayed.

The New Yorker

By Chang-rae Lee January 28 , 2010I picked up "The Catcher in the Rye" at the library when I was ten years old, thinking it was a baseball book, and was very quickly and utterly confused and dismayed.

The New Yorker

_ Chang-rae Lee's new novel, "The Surrendered," is due out in March._ I picked up "The Catcher in the Rye" at the library when I was ten years old, thinking it was a baseball book, and was very quickly and utterly confused and dismayed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly dismayed" to express a strong feeling of disappointment or shock when something unexpected or undesirable happens.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly dismayed" in casual conversation. It's a relatively formal phrase that can sound overly dramatic or out of place in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly dismayed" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a strong feeling of disappointment, discouragement, or shock. It typically describes someone's emotional state in response to an unfavorable event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys disappointment or despair.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly dismayed" is a common phrase used to express a strong feeling of disappointment or shock. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it functions as an adjectival phrase that intensifies the emotional impact. While grammatically sound, it's best to avoid using it in casual conversations due to its formal tone. Consider alternative phrases like "completely disheartened" or "profoundly disappointed" based on the context to convey similar sentiments with varying intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profoundly disappointed

Highlights the depth and intensity of the disappointment experienced.

completely disheartened

Similar in conveying a loss of morale but with more emphasis on losing enthusiasm.

bitterly disappointed

Indicates a strong feeling of disappointment mixed with resentment or anger.

totally disappointed

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

sorely disappointed

Implies a sense of pain or regret associated with the disappointment.

absolutely crestfallen

Conveys a sense of extreme sadness and disappointment, more intense than "utterly dismayed".

truly crestfallen

Indicates a genuine and intense feeling of disappointment and sadness.

deeply discouraged

Emphasizes a loss of confidence or motivation, shifting the focus from shock to a longer-term impact.

extremely upset

A broader term for emotional distress, not specifically related to disappointment.

genuinely shocked

Shifts the focus from disappointment to surprise and disbelief, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly dismayed" to express strong disappointment or shock. For example, "I was utterly dismayed by the news of the company's bankruptcy."

What are some alternatives to "utterly dismayed"?

Alternatives include "completely disheartened", "totally disappointed", or "profoundly disappointed" depending on the context.

Is "utterly dismayed" formal or informal?

"Utterly dismayed" is generally considered a formal phrase and is more appropriate for written communication or serious discussions.

What's the difference between "utterly dismayed" and "slightly disappointed"?

"Utterly dismayed" indicates a much stronger negative emotion than "slightly disappointed". The former suggests a significant shock or letdown, while the latter implies only mild dissatisfaction.