disillusionment

[dis-i-loo-zhuhn-muhnt]

noun

1. the loss or destruction of illusions or idealistic beliefs; the state of having lost such illusions or beliefs.

   Her bitterness and disillusionment were complete when he refused to investigate the corruption she reported because he was in business with some of the people involved.

Word History and Origins

Origin of disillusionment¹

disillusion ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Example Sentences

Her disillusionment began when she was fresh out of college, interviewing for a pajama company.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One of several important records released up until this point in the 1970s that grappled with 1960s nostalgia and romantic regret, “Still Crazy” stood out for its emotional transparency and hushed disillusionment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Weeks of bickering in Paris have triggered warnings about the public's growing disillusionment with politics - the spectacle appearing to confirm the notion that the prime aim of most politicians is simply to stay in power.

Read more on BBC

"There is a lot of despair and disillusionment," said Colm Martin, who has been volunteering at London's Kingston branch for five years.

Read more on BBC

In Nepal, one of the poorest countries in Asia, young people have expressed similar disillusionment at what they see as an unfair system.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• adversity 
• blow 
• chagrin 
• defeat 
• discontent 
• disenchantment 
• dissatisfaction 
• failure 
• frustration 
• letdown 
• regret 
• setback