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dismaying

  • present participle
    of dismay.
    dismay
    verb (used with object)
    to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt.
  • a word derived from dismay.
    dismay
    verb (used with object)
    to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

But these virtues have to be weighed against a dismaying amount of carelessness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

The co-owner of the Swiss bar hit by a deadly fire during New Year celebrations was released from custody on Friday after bail was paid on his behalf, dismaying victims' families.

From Barron's ● Jan. 23, 2026

No American orchestra of San Diego’s merit or promise under its rising star music director, Rafael Payare, had been stuck in so dismaying a venue as Symphony Towers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2024

“It is dismaying that so many of them have been forgotten.”

From New York Times ● Mar. 3, 2023

It was dismaying to be chosen like a new bauble and then forgotten, a mere passing fancy.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein