was crestfallen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was crestfallen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is disappointed or sad, often after receiving bad news or facing a setback. Example: "After hearing that he didn't get the job, he was crestfallen and sat silently in his chair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was crestfallen.

The New York Times

Allen was crestfallen.

Forbes

"He was crestfallen".

The New York Times

Mr. Thompson was crestfallen.

The New York Times

Malisse was crestfallen.

The New York Times - Sports

Earl was crestfallen.

The New York Times

For years, Jack was crestfallen.

The New Yorker

"He was crestfallen," his father said.

The New York Times

"I was crestfallen, angry," Ms. Kysel said.

The New York Times

She now tells me I was crestfallen.

The New York Times - Health

Pressburger was crestfallen to have provoked Churchill's ire.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was crestfallen" to describe a feeling of disappointment that follows a specific event or realization. It's best used when the subject had high hopes or expectations that were unmet.

Common error

Avoid using "was crestfallen" in overly casual settings. While grammatically correct, it has a somewhat formal tone that may sound out of place in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "was disappointed" or "felt let down".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was crestfallen" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying the subject and describing their emotional state. As Ludwig AI states, it's used to describe someone feeling sad because of a recent disappointment. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use after a subject pronoun (e.g., "She was crestfallen").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was crestfallen" effectively communicates a feeling of deep disappointment and sadness, typically after a specific setback. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and well-suited for use in formal and professional contexts, particularly within news and media. While alternatives like "was disappointed" or "felt let down" exist, "was crestfallen" offers a more nuanced and sophisticated expression. The phrase sees very common usage in News & Media, with top sources including The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Guardian. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing, avoiding overuse in casual conversations where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was disappointed

Direct synonym replacing "crestfallen" with a more common term.

was disheartened

Implies a loss of spirit or enthusiasm, similar to being crestfallen.

was dejected

Conveys a feeling of being cast down in spirits; more formal than "crestfallen".

felt let down

Suggests a sense of betrayal or unmet expectations leading to disappointment.

was downcast

Focuses on the physical manifestation of sadness, like a lowered gaze.

was crushed

Emphasizes the intensity of the disappointment experienced.

was demoralized

Highlights the reduction in confidence or morale due to a setback.

was saddened

A more general term for feeling unhappy, applicable in various contexts.

was chagrined

Implies a feeling of embarrassment mixed with disappointment.

was in despair

Conveys a deeper sense of hopelessness than simply being "crestfallen".

FAQs

What does "was crestfallen" mean?

The phrase "was crestfallen" means feeling sad and disappointed, often after a setback or failure. It suggests a sense of being let down and disheartened.

What are some synonyms for "was crestfallen"?

Alternatives to "was crestfallen" include "was disappointed", "was disheartened", "was dejected", or "felt let down". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "was crestfallen" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly technical, it carries a slightly elevated tone suitable for news articles, essays, or reports.

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

You can use "was crestfallen" to describe someone's emotional state after a disappointment. For example: "She "was crestfallen" when she didn't get the promotion" or "He "was crestfallen" upon hearing the news".