discomfiture

[dis-kuhm-fi-cher]

the state of being disconcerted; confusion; embarrassment.

frustration of hopes or plans.

Archaic. defeat in battle; rout.

Origin of discomfiture

1300–50; Middle English desconfiture < Anglo-French: defeat. See discomfit, -ure

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Recent years have seen an increase in private sector health care, to, inevitably, the relief of some and discomfiture of others.
Reading Obamacare In Jerusalem
Yehudah Mirsky
July 13, 2012

He entered with an expression of discomfiture on his rather vacuous countenance.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
"Oh, I'll apologize," he said with a wry smile of discomfiture.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
Gilberte insistently went on, as if enjoying her friend's discomfiture.
The Downfall
Emile Zola
He seemed to be enjoying their discomfiture, and absolutely confident of his own safety.
The Einstein See-Saw
Miles John Breuer
"I know—I haven't forgot," he muttered, covering his discomfiture.
A Son of Hagar
Sir Hall Caine

Word Origin and History for discomfiture

mid-14c., from Old French desconfiture "rout, defeat" (12c.; Modern French déconfiture), from desconfit (see discomfit).