What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dejection
Example
After failing the exam, he felt a deep sense of dejection. [dejection: noun]
Example
She walked with a slow gait, her dejected expression revealing her sadness. [dejected: adjective]
sadness
Example
The news of his friend's death filled him with profound sadness. [sadness: noun]
Example
She couldn't help but feel sad when she saw the abandoned puppy on the street. [sad: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sadness is a more commonly used word than dejection in everyday language. Sadness is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while dejection is less common and is typically used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dejection and sadness?
Dejection is a more formal and literary word than sadness. It is often used in more serious or intellectual contexts, while sadness is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.