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dismaying

  • present participle
    of dismay.
    dismay
    verb (used with object)
    to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt.
  • a word derived from dismay.
    dismay
    verb (used with object)
    to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Since Shakespeare’s verse for the young lovers is among his most rhapsodic and hypnotically beautiful, the choice is dismaying.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

The co-owner of the Swiss bar hit by a deadly fire during New Year celebrations was released from custody on Friday after bail was paid on his behalf, dismaying victims' families.

From Barron's ● Jan. 23, 2026

Within that sphere we’re treated to a voice performance by Woods that is a small, hilarious, somewhat dismaying tour de force.

From New York Times ● Jan. 24, 2024

It is dismaying that when a cougar kills livestock that the solution is to kill the cougar.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 10, 2023

Hard on that thought followed the image of the wineskin, like a dismaying answer.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw