long face

American  

noun

1. an unhappy or gloomy expression.

   He's been walking around with a long face ever since he failed the examination.

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long face British  

noun

1. a disappointed, solemn, or miserable facial expression

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long face Idioms  

1. A facial expression showing sadness or disappointment, as in Greg's long face was a clear indication of his feelings. [Late 1700s]

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Other Word Forms

• long-faced adjective

Etymology

Origin of long face

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Family members often referred to him as “El Viejito,” for his long face and an emotional literacy well beyond his years.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2025

When I was older, someone said, "You were born with that long face. Everyone who has a long face, they look miserable," So people can project things onto you.

From Salon • Jul. 6, 2023

His long face creased into a wry smile.

From Washington Post • Sep. 29, 2021

Kim Petras walks into a bar, and the barman says 'Why the long face?'

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2021

Bigger watched Max’s head of white hair, his long face, the deep-grey, soft, sad eyes.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright