dismay
verb (used with object)
to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt.
was dismaying
-
past progressiveof dismay.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Enrico Letta, the leader of the left-wing Democratic Party, said what happened was "dismaying".
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2022
The episode was dismaying to Luria, particularly at a time when anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. are spiking.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 21, 2019
It was dismaying to cover in minutes what it would have taken hours to walk.
From New York Times ● May 24, 2013
So, although it was not unexpected, it was dismaying to hear today that both he and his executive director, Nick Starr, are stepping down in the next two years.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 10, 2013
It was dismaying to be chosen like a new bauble and then forgotten, a mere passing fancy.
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
