Dismay Meaning in English
word
dɪsˈmeɪ
diss-MAY
dɪsmˈeɪ
diss-MAY
Definition
A strong feeling of shock, sadness, or disappointment that often happens when something unexpected or bad occurs.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in formal or literary contexts. Often follows verbs like 'feel', 'look at...in dismay', or is paired with 'to one's dismay'. Different from 'disgust' and 'fear': 'dismay' mixes sadness and surprise.
Spanish: consternación - desánimo - desalientoPortuguese (BR): consternação - desalentoPortuguese (PT): consternação - desalentoChinese (Simplified): 沮丧 - 惊愕Chinese (Traditional): 沮喪 - 驚愕Hindi: निराशा - स्तब्धताArabic: ذُهول - إحباطBengali: বিষ্ময় - হতাশা - মর্মান্তিকতাRussian: ужас - смятение - огорчениеJapanese: 落胆 - 驚きVietnamese: sự thất vọng - sự kinh hoàngKorean: 실망 - 경악Turkish: dehşet - üzüntü - hayal kırıklığıUrdu: پریشانی - افسردگی - حیرانیIndonesian: sự hoang mang - sự thất vọng
Example Sentences
She looked at the broken vase in dismay.
basic
The news of the closure filled the employees with dismay.
basic
To her dismay, the keys were missing.
basic
Much to our dismay, the concert was canceled at the last minute.
natural
He read the letter and shook his head in dismay.
natural
The team's poor performance left the fans in total dismay.
natural