What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dismay
Example
The news of the accident filled her with dismay. [dismay: noun]
Example
I was dismayed to hear that my favorite restaurant had closed down. [dismayed: past participle]
disappointment
Example
Her disappointment was evident when she didn't get the job. [disappointment: noun]
Example
I was disappointed with the quality of the product I received. [disappointed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disappointment is more commonly used than dismay in everyday language. Disappointment is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dismay is less common and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dismay and disappointment?
While dismay is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, disappointment is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
