# dismay

/dɪsˈmeɪ/ (US) · /dɪsmˈeɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dismay
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a strong feeling of being worried, disappointed, or upset because of something unexpected. You feel this when things go wrong and you do not know what to do.

For teachers: a sudden or complete loss of courage or resolution in the face of unforeseen danger or trouble. Often describes a mixture of shock and distress.

## Examples

- She looked at the broken window with dismay.
- To the dismay of the local residents, the council decided to close the community library.
- The sudden collapse of the peace talks was met with widespread dismay by international observers who had spent months brokering the agreement.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the phrase 'to someone's dismay' to indicate their reaction to an event.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.