What are the definitions of “let down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Disappoint, fail to keep an arrangement.
She failed to turn up and I felt badly LET DOWN.
- 2Make clothes longer.
He's grown so much, we'll have to LET his trousers DOWN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “let down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb let down is to disappoint someone or fail to meet their expectations. It often refers to not keeping a promise or not fulfilling an obligation.
What are the different verb forms of “let down”?
| Root Verb | let down |
| Third Person Singular Present | lets down |
| Present Participle | letting down |
| Simple Past | let down |
| Past Participle | let down |
Example
I don't want to let down my team by not showing up for practice.
Example
She always lets down her friends when they need her the most.
Example
He is letting down his family by not attending the important event.
Example
They let down their fans by losing the game.
Example
She felt let down when her friend didn't show up for their meeting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “let down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“let down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I don't want to let down my team.
Example
She let her friend down by not showing up.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“let down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I don't want to let down my team.
Example
She let her friend down by not showing up.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “let down”?
Good things to know
Does “let down” have an informal or formal tone?
Let down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
