English Reference

Word

dashed

US/ˈdæʃt/

UK/dˈæʃt/

Definition

adj. feeling very disappointed because your hopes or plans have been destroyed. You use this when something you really wanted to happen fails.

adj. characterised by the sudden destruction or frustration of one's hopes, expectations, or dreams. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'feel'.

Examples

“His hopes of winning the race were dashed after he fell.”

“The team's dreams of reaching the final were dashed by a last-minute goal from the opposition.”

“Despite years of meticulous preparation, her aspirations for the promotion were dashed when the company announced a sudden hiring freeze across all departments.”

Examples

simple

“His hopes of winning the race were dashed after he fell.”

contextual

“The team's dreams of reaching the final were dashed by a last-minute goal from the opposition.”

complex

“Despite years of meticulous preparation, her aspirations for the promotion were dashed when the company announced a sudden hiring freeze across all departments.”

Usage

Often follows a linking verb or appears in the phrase 'dashed hopes'.

Real-World Examples

“A long ball from David Hancko dropped into the run of Simeone and as he dashed into the area Huijsen dragged him down.”
The Guardian · 20 Sept 2026
“Thomas dashed back to the goalline to clear a chip from Igor Jesus that had Rushworth beaten.”
The Guardian · 19 Sept 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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