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

Derived 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

"Add into that a long face and a ginger beard and all the rest of it and I just have to stick to being a football coach and work with the players."

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2022

His long face creased into a wry smile.

From Washington Post • Sep. 29, 2021

He had given Pa all of his dimples, and Pa had given Uncle Darnell his long face.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia