dismayed

American  

[dis-meyd] / dɪsˈmeɪd /

adjective

1. thoroughly disheartened, as by sudden danger or trouble.

   When he was sick and in prison, and the non-cooperation movement ebbed, Gandhi was not dismayed or discouraged.

2. surprised and disillusioned or disappointed.

   Many were dismayed at the way the ad trivialized the Tibetan people's struggle for freedom and survival.

3. alarmed or perturbed.

   As a teacher in a K-8 school, I am extremely dismayed at the talk of more unstable funding for education.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of dismay.

Other Word Forms

• dismayedness noun
• undismayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of dismayed

dismay ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

While going rather easy on King George, Ms. Worsley is dismayed by the strategy of her antecedents, whose tactics often seemed calculated to fan the sputtering flames of rebellion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said he was "dismayed" by reports of the air strikes and civilian casualties.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Paul Carruthers, nurse consultant and manager of the clinic, said they were dismayed by the decision, adding that they use a rigorous process in line with international standards before hormones can be prescribed.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Pharmaceutical industry leaders had publicly hailed Pazdur’s appointment as drugs chief, praising his years of expertise and scientific acumen, and were dismayed by his departure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

They were dismayed by what they had suffered.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Related Words

• afraid
• agitated
• anguished
• anxious
• apprehensive
• edgy
• fearful
• impatient
• insecure
• irritable
• jittery
• nervous
• precarious
• restless
• shaky
• strained
• suspicious
• tense
• troubled
• uncomfortable