crestfallen

[ krest-faw-luhn ]

adjective

1. dejected; dispirited; discouraged.
2. having a drooping crest or head.

crestfallen

/ ˈkrɛstˌfɔːlən /

adjective

1. dejected, depressed, or disheartened

Derived Forms

• ˈcrestˌfallenly, adverb

Other Words From

• crestfallen·ly adverb
• crestfallen·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of crestfallen¹

First recorded in 1580–90; crest + fallen

Example Sentences

He’s the kind of child who often consoles friends who are struggling emotionally, yet he often comes home crestfallen because classmates, even friends, have treated his sensitivity as a moving target.

From Washington Post

Also attending was Regan, who told investigators the president had been “crestfallen” at hearing about the diversion.

From The Daily Beast

Finally, just before the tenth stanza, a crestfallen Alvarado whispered that he was done.

From The Daily Beast

"We really wanted stainless," says the crestfallen pair, and trudge back out the door.

From The Daily Beast

If he were crestfallen he did not show it, and in that respect the worthy smith and Mrs. Cecil both were disappointed.

From Project Gutenberg

He returned home wounded and crestfallen to his disappointed wife.

From Project Gutenberg

"I mean special ones," she answered gayly, as she went off with him to take her place, leaving Ikey rather crestfallen.

From Project Gutenberg

The recall was granted, and after ten months of confinement the crestfallen Governor was sent to England for trial.

From Project Gutenberg

Bumper felt so crestfallen at this rebuke that he remained perfectly quiet during the rest of the walk.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dejected
• despondent
• discouraged
• dispirited