adjective
crestfallen
KREST-faw-luhn/ˈkrestfɔːlən/
Sad and discouraged after a disappointment.
The crestfallen athlete sits with slumped shoulders while a rival receives the trophy.
Etymology
A fallen crest supplies an image of lost spirit, but the animal behind it is uncertain. The source suggests horses may underlie the expression rather than a defeated cock with its crest lowered.
In context
Behind him Razumihin strode in gawky and awkward, shamefaced and red as a peony, with an utterly crestfallen and ferocious expression.
More examples
- The crestfallen players leave the field after another loss.
- He sounds crestfallen after being turned down for the job.
- I feel crestfallen when nobody laughs at my joke.
Forms
crestfallen
Similar words
- dejected
- Describes low spirits without necessarily implying a specific disappointment.
- disappointed
- Emphasizes unmet expectations rather than the resulting loss of spirit.
- disheartened
- Emphasizes losing confidence or motivation after a setback.