discomfiture

[ dis-kuhm-fi-cher ]

noun

1. the state of being disconcerted; confusion; embarrassment.
2. frustration of hopes or plans.
3. Archaic. defeat in battle; rout.

Word History and Origins

Origin of discomfiture¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English desconfiture, from Anglo-French: “defeat”; discomfit, -ure

Example Sentences

“We’ve put hundreds of millions of dollars into ethnically targeted microbes,” he said, delivering his spiel to dining companions who heard him out with increasingly evident discomfiture.

From Los Angeles Times

The House Republican leader was a study in discomfiture.

From Washington Post

They’re reveling in what they see as the discomfiture of authorities at the destinations forced to scramble to bring care and services to the passengers.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet instilling confidence and solidarity among democracy’s friends — and discomfiture among its foes — has intrinsic value.

From Washington Post

This was such a great fall, that I said in discomfiture, “O, more than that.”

From Literature