Disillusioning

Disillusioning describes something that causes a loss of naive faith or belief in something, especially the ideal or romantic. It represents the shattering of illusions and the coming to terms with reality, which often falls short of expectations. The process is often painful, involving the recognition that previously held beliefs were mistaken or unrealistic. It signifies the end of innocence or youthful idealism, and the beginning of a more critical, sometimes cynical, worldview. This experience often leaves individuals feeling disappointed, betrayed, or cynical, forcing them to re-evaluate their perspectives and choices. The impact can range from minor disappointments to significant emotional turmoil, affecting one's sense of self and trust in the world.

Disillusioning meaning with examples

• Discovering the truth about her family's history was deeply disillusioning for Sarah, forcing her to confront the stark realities that contradicted her childhood narratives and perfect image. It caused her to question everything she thought she knew and rebuild her understanding from the ground up, learning hard lessons in truth and integrity.
• The politician's corrupt actions proved to be disillusioning to many of his supporters, who had placed their faith and hopes in his promise for a better world, but then watched their idealism crumble and turned bitter by the betrayal and empty promises.
• Reading the author's biography was disillusioning for the fans; learning about the personal flaws and struggles of an idol they’d idealized made them look at their achievements differently and consider the imperfections of others too.
• The process of buying her dream home became disillusioning due to hidden costs, demanding contractors, and unforeseen problems. It highlighted the complexities of property ownership, damaging her initial excitement and forcing her to deal with realities that were frustrating.
• After years of hard work and dedication, the failure of his start-up proved deeply disillusioning. He had invested all of his resources and faith and the collapse of his business was shattering, leaving him with a sense of failure and a diminished faith in entrepreneurial dreams.