disillusionment

American  

[dis-i-loo-zhuhn-muhnt] / ˌdɪs ɪˈlu ʒən mənt /

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of disillusionment

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

Explanation

Feeling disillusionment means you're bummed out because you no longer believe in something — usually because you find out it isn't as amazing as you thought. The definition of disillusionment doesn't sound so bad: being freed from false beliefs or illusions. Well, sorry to disillusion you, but it's not so great. Disillusionment is when the hard truth of reality makes you lose faith in your dreams and ideals. Like you might have thought your internship at the movie studio would be super glamorous, but you quickly suffered some disillusionment when you realized it involved 14-hour days and lots of coffee runs.

Example Sentences

Disillusionment has sparked cultural shifts amongst office workers.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

Disillusionment has been compounded by economic decline in a country where most of the population lives in deep poverty.

From Reuters • Jan. 30, 2023

Disillusionment with previous corrupt governments helped propel President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to power in Ukraine.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2022

Disillusionment over cultural change runs deep in every era.

From Slate • Jul. 3, 2020

But there were no lights in the castle windows, and he could conceal himself...and in a second he had cast upon himself a Disillusionment Charm that hid him even from his own eyes.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

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