Dismay

Dismay is a feeling of unhappiness, disappointment, and concern, usually caused by something unexpected or unwelcome. It's a state of being disheartened and troubled, often resulting in a loss of courage or resolution. It can range from mild concern to profound shock, but always involves a degree of emotional distress. This feeling stems from a realization that something is wrong or not as expected. The intensity of Dismay is typically proportional to the significance of the event and the individual's emotional investment in the situation. Often accompanied by feelings of helplessness or a sense of things going awry, Dismay can be a significant psychological reaction to failure, loss, or the observation of injustice. It is a common human emotion, experienced in a wide variety of situations across all cultures and time periods. It causes people to pause, to consider the potential implications of the situation and weigh the potential for harm. People often use the time of Dismay to make a decision.

Dismay meaning with examples

• Upon receiving the rejection letter from his dream university, John felt a deep sense of dismay. The news dashed his hopes of attending his first choice, and he was overwhelmed with sadness and disappointment. He had worked tirelessly for years, and the rejection left him feeling lost and uncertain about his future, and the unexpected news left him in a state of dejection. The unexpected results were a harsh reality that he had a hard time recovering from.
• Sarah watched in Dismay as the rising floodwaters threatened her family home. The storm had arrived suddenly and powerfully, and the thought of losing everything she owned filled her with dread. Despite her best efforts to prepare, the ferocity of the storm and the rapid increase in the water levels led to despair that was difficult to overcome. The situation was dire, and the feeling of dread was palpable and made the entire circumstance worse.
• The team's fans reacted with Dismay when their star player announced his retirement just before the championship game. The news came as a complete surprise, especially with the player's history of winning and his recent performance, leaving the supporters feeling disappointed and dejected. They had been counting on his skills and leadership, and the unexpected announcement shattered their hopes for a victory. The news sent shockwaves throughout the entire community.
• The detective listened with growing Dismay as the suspect's alibi seemed increasingly airtight. Each piece of evidence seemed to be true, and the lack of possible crime gave them the feeling of losing any progress and leaving the detective frustrated and unsure. With each passing moment, the detective's confidence in solving the case dwindled. His initial optimism began to wane as it became clear that the case was far more complex than he had initially thought.
• The public expressed widespread Dismay when the government announced a significant cut in funding for public schools. The reduction in resources was seen as a blow to education, and many people worried about the impact on students. Parents, teachers, and community members all expressed their unhappiness and concern over the decision, which raised questions about how public institutions should be funded and the value of education.