discomfiture

[ dis-kuhm-fi-cher ]

noun

1. the state of being disconcerted; confusion; embarrassment.
2. frustration of hopes or plans.
3. Archaic. defeat in battle; rout.

Word History and Origins

Origin of discomfiture¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English desconfiture, from Anglo-French: “defeat”; discomfit, -ure

Example Sentences

We’re reacting to their public personas — and in the case of Mulaney specifically, many of us are expressing discomfiture that he deviated even slightly from the straitlaced nice guy he purported to represent.

From Vox

Recent years have seen an increase in private sector health care, to, inevitably, the relief of some and discomfiture of others.

From The Daily Beast

Hereupon he was caused much embarrassment and discomfiture, for of the three girls, he knew not which one was Irene.

From Project Gutenberg

He even felt a certain enjoyment in the discomfiture of the self-constituted posse of searchers for stolen goods.

From Project Gutenberg

The stranger regarded Hedges attentively, rather to the discomfiture of that functionary, who thought he was doubted.

From Project Gutenberg

The galling part of it was that Aunt Linda knew, and was chuckling, so to speak, over my discomfiture.

From Project Gutenberg

"Then I'll catch it," I said, laughing at his discomfiture, for I knew he loathed stirring porridge.

From Project Gutenberg