chagrin
What does "chagrin" mean?
Chagrin describes a feeling of distress, disappointment, or humiliation caused by failure, a mistake, or an unexpected setback. Imagine the sinking, uncomfortable sensation in your chest when you realize you have made a public error or when things simply do not go as planned. It is a fairly sophisticated, literary term that carries a sense of internal annoyance rather than loud anger. You will often see it used in phrases like "to my chagrin," which serves as a polite way to admit that something embarrassing happened to the speaker.
"chagrin" in conversation
A minor mistake at work
I accidentally sent the draft to the CEO instead of my manager.
I accidentally sent the draft to the CEO instead of my manager.
Oh no, was he upset?
Oh no, was he upset?
To my chagrin, he replied with a list of corrections.
To my chagrin, he replied with a list of corrections.
'To my chagrin' is a common way to introduce a personal mishap.
Discussing a missed opportunity
I really thought I had the part in the play.
I really thought I had the part in the play.
I'm sorry, that must be disappointing.
I'm sorry, that must be disappointing.
It is; I feel a great deal of chagrin about how I performed in the audition.
It is; I feel a great deal of chagrin about how I performed in the audition.
Chagrin can be used to describe the lingering embarrassment after a failure.
"chagrin" in a sentence
He felt deep chagrin when he realized his mistake.
He felt deep chagrin when he realized his mistake.
To my chagrin, the restaurant was closed when we arrived.
To my chagrin, the restaurant was closed when we arrived.
She swallowed her chagrin and congratulated her rival on the victory.
She swallowed her chagrin and congratulated her rival on the victory.
