Dejection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dejection

[dɪˈdʒɛkʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

A state of melancholy or sadness; depression of spirits.

Synonyms

despair, despondency, dismay, gloom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dejection	Dejection is generally used to describe a state of sadness or low spirits, often after experiencing disappointment or failure. It usually implies a less intense emotion compared to despair. He felt deep dejection after not getting the job he had hoped for
despondency	Despondency refers to a state of low spirits caused by a loss of hope or courage. It's stronger than dejection but less intense than despair. After several failed attempts, he fell into a state of despondency
despair	Despair is used when someone feels a complete loss of hope. This word carries very intense emotional weight and is often used in the most severe circumstances. She was in utter despair after the tragic accident
gloom	Gloom refers to a general state of darkness, sadness, or melancholy. It's more about a pervasive, ongoing feeling rather than a reaction to a specific event. There was a sense of gloom in the room after the news was announced
dismay	Dismay is used to describe a feeling of alarm, confusion, or disappointment, often in reaction to an unexpected situation. It doesn't necessarily imply prolonged sadness. To his dismay, the meeting was cancelled at the last minute

Examples of usage

She sat in dejection, feeling as though nothing would ever bring her joy again.
His dejection was visible in his slumped posture and downcast eyes.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

expression

The act of dejecting or the state of being dejected; cast down; depressed; low-spirited.

Synonyms

despair, despondency, dismay, gloom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dejection	Use this word when you want to describe a feeling of sadness and lack of hope, often due to disappointment or failure. It's a general term for low spirits. She sank into dejection after hearing the bad news. His dejection was noticeable after losing the competition.
despondency	Despondency refers to a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage. It implies a deeper and more prolonged form of sadness. He fell into despondency after repeated failures. The team's despondency was clear after their third consecutive loss.
despair	This word is used for intense and overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and the belief that nothing will improve or save the situation. He was in despair after losing his job. Her despair was evident when she couldn't find her lost pet.
gloom	Gloom refers to a state of darkness or partial darkness, but metaphorically, it describes a feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and pessimism. A sense of gloom hung over the town after the tragic event. The gloomy weather matched his mood perfectly.
dismay	Dismay is a feeling of shock and distress, often mixed with disappointment and concern about a situation. She expressed dismay at the sudden change in plans. His dismay was apparent when he saw the damaged car.

Examples of usage

Her dejection was evident in the way she hardly spoke and avoided eye contact.
The dejection on his face was unmistakable, revealing the inner turmoil he was experiencing.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Dejection is often linked to depression and can manifest with physical symptoms like fatigue and loss of interest.
Research shows that experiencing dejection can lead to a decrease in motivation, affecting personal and professional life.
It can often be a phase, meaning individuals can recover from feelings of dejection with support and coping strategies.

Literature

Many poets have explored themes of dejection, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and despair.
Classic novels often depict protagonists experiencing dejection as they face challenges, symbolizing their internal struggles.
Dejection in literature can be a powerful motif, often used to highlight the contrast between hope and despair.

Pop Culture

Films often portray characters in moments of dejection to evoke empathy and connection with the audience.
Songs about heartbreak frequently explore feelings of dejection, connecting deeply with listeners who resonate with such emotions.
Social media has amplified discussions about mental health, with many expressing their experiences related to feelings of dejection.

Origin of 'dejection'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'deiectio,' meaning 'throwing down,' which reflects the feeling of being brought low.
The prefix 'de-' often signifies a reversal or removal, while 'ject' relates to throwing, hinting at emotional downfalls.
It first appeared in English during the late 15th century, showing a historical context for describing emotional states.

The word 'dejection' originated from the Latin word 'deiectio', which means the act of throwing down or casting down. Over time, it evolved to represent a state of melancholy or sadness. The concept of dejection has been explored in various literary works and psychological studies, highlighting its impact on human emotions and mental well-being.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,878, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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23875 retelling
23876 fief
23877 cumulus
23878 dejection
23879 shooters
23880 baggy
23881 adorning
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