dismay
verb (used with object)
to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt.
dismaying
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present participleof dismay.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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a word derived from
dismay.
dismayverb (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.
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
No American orchestra of San Diego’s merit or promise under its rising star music director, Rafael Payare, had been stuck in so dismaying a venue as Symphony Towers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2024
It is dismaying that when a cougar kills livestock that the solution is to kill the cougar.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 10, 2023
The discovery that we are, as one investigator phrased it, living in a “sea of carcinogens” is of course dismaying and may easily lead to reactions of despair and defeatism.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
