What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
consternation
Example
The team felt a sense of consternation when they learned that their project had been canceled. [consternation: noun]
Example
She looked at him with consternation, not knowing how to react to the news. [consternation: noun]
dismay
Example
I felt a sense of dismay when I saw the damage to my car. [dismay: noun]
Example
He was dismayed by the results of the election. [dismayed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dismay is more commonly used than consternation in everyday language. Dismay is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while consternation is less common and refers to a more specific type of negative emotion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between consternation and dismay?
Both consternation and dismay are formal words that are appropriate for use in serious or professional contexts.
