Chagrin

Chagrin

shə-ˈgrin

Noun

  • Disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure.

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Example Sentences

“Much to my chagrin, I showed up to my dentist appointment a day early.”

“She realized with chagrin that she’d been mispronouncing his name for months.”

“To his chagrin, the email he meant to send privately went to the entire company.”

Word Origin

French, mid-17th century

Why this word?

The word “chagrin” is almost always used as part of a phrase such as “much to my chagrin” or “to his chagrin.” The noun — from the French “chagrin,” meaning “sad” — indicates a level of distress caused by humiliation or failure. It’s not used in pleasant circumstances, but when it’s needed, it serves well to indicate a deep level of upset. 

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ɪˌkwɪvəˈkælɪti