Deflated: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone feels suddenly less confident or enthusiastic, usually after receiving bad news or experiencing failure.

• After hearing his idea was rejected, John looked completely deflated

Best used when someone feels less motivated or has lost the will to continue due to difficulties or repeated failures.

• She felt discouraged after her application was denied again

Appropriate for situations where someone's spirit or confidence is severely damaged over time or after a significant hardship.

• The team became demoralized after losing their fifth game in a row

This word has a more negative and serious connotation, commonly used to describe people who are oppressed or treated unfairly over a long period.

• The downtrodden population finally rose up against their oppressors

Usually used to describe something that was once inflated, such as a balloon or tire, and is now reduced in volume or pressure. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a loss of confidence or spirit.

• The balloon deflated after a few hours
• He seemed deflated after hearing the bad news

Typically used in scenarios where something falls down or falls apart suddenly, such as a building or structure. It can also describe sudden physical or emotional breakdown.

• The old bridge collapsed under the weight
• After working non-stop for days, she collapsed from exhaustion

Generally used when something becomes smaller in size, often due to water or heat. It can be applied to physical objects or metaphorically to indicate reduced importance or volume.

• My sweater shrunk in the wash
• The market for typewriters has shrunk over the years

Used to describe when something has been pressed or made flat, losing its original shape. Often used for objects or land but can also describe someone's figurative defeat.

• The cardboard box was flattened for recycling
• The team was flattened in the final match