disillusionment

[dis-i-loo-zhuhn-muhnt]

noun

1. the loss or destruction of illusions or idealistic beliefs; the state of having lost such illusions or beliefs.

   Her bitterness and disillusionment were complete when he refused to investigate the corruption she reported because he was in business with some of the people involved.

Word History and Origins

Origin of disillusionment¹

disillusion ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Example Sentences

"There is a lot of despair and disillusionment," said Colm Martin, who has been volunteering at London's Kingston branch for five years.

From BBC

In Nepal, one of the poorest countries in Asia, young people have expressed similar disillusionment at what they see as an unfair system.

From BBC

He and other scholars note similarities between the deployment of troops to American cities, widespread disillusionment with the Supreme Court, and spasms of political violence — especially from disaffected young men.

From Los Angeles Times

In The Modern World tackles the disillusionment of getting to Hollywood and discovering its seedy underbelly.

From BBC

After the disillusionment of meeting with and lobbying politicians for gun reform, they got creative with their messaging.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adversity 
• blow 
• chagrin 
• defeat 
• discontent 
• disenchantment 
• dissatisfaction 
• failure 
• frustration 
• letdown 
• regret 
• setback