discomfiture

American  

[dis-kuhm-fi-cher] / dɪsˈkʌm fɪ tʃər /

noun

1. the state of being disconcerted; confusion; embarrassment.

2. frustration of hopes or plans.

3. Archaic. defeat in battle; rout.

---

Etymology

Origin of discomfiture

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English desconfiture, from Anglo-French: “defeat”; see discomfit, -ure

Explanation

Discomfiture is a state of being embarrassed and a little confused. There is nothing quite like the discomfiture of being abruptly reprimanded by your favorite teacher. Discomfiture comes from discomfit, which originally meant "defeat in battle," from the Latin fortis, "strong." The meaning of discomfiture evolved over time from "state of having been defeated or thwarted" to "perplexed embarrassment." Being ignored by your friends would definitely cause discomfiture, and so would confidently talking in French class about your dream of being a hair stylist, only to realize you've been saying "horse stylist" the whole time.

Example Sentences

Michel Barnier, who negotiated the terms of Brexit on behalf of the EU, said he took no pleasure in Britain’s discomfiture.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2022

They’re reveling in what they see as the discomfiture of authorities at the destinations forced to scramble to bring care and services to the passengers.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2022

The discomfiture of Mr. Bridgeland, Mr. Milbank and other antagonists might stem from the fact that Ms. Stefanik’s cherished principles are simply different from theirs.

From Washington Post • May 25, 2022

There was much cheering in Pakistan over India's discomfiture at the turn of events, said Raza Ahmad Rumi, a political commentator, who teaches at Ithaca College in New York.

From Reuters • Aug. 23, 2021

A big burst of laughter at Daisy’s discomfiture.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston