online vocabulary.com

Crestfallen - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Crestfallen means deeply disappointed or disheartened, often shown through a person’s slumped posture or downcast expression. It describes someone who has lost hope or confidence after a setback.

crestfallen

/ˈkrɛstˌfɔlən/ /ˈkrɛstˌfɔːlən/

Definition:

Sad and disappointed, especially after a failure or setback.

Synonyms:

dejected, disheartened, downcast, dispirited

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

elated, cheerful, jubilant

Common Collocations:

look crestfallen, feel crestfallen, appear crestfallen

Derivatives:

crestfallenly, crestfallenness

Usage Tips:

Use "crestfallen" to describe someone visibly discouraged or humiliated by disappointment.

Common Phrases:

down in the dumps, feeling blue, at a low ebb

Etymology:

From "crest" (top of a helmet) + "fallen," suggesting a drooping posture due to defeat or shame.

Examples:

  • 1. She was crestfallen after failing the test.
  • 2. His crestfallen expression revealed his disappointment.
  • 3. The team looked crestfallen after losing the final match.
  • 4. He walked away crestfallen when his idea was rejected.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS