disillusionment

[ dis-i-loo-zhuhn-muhnt ]

noun

1. the loss or destruction of illusions or idealistic beliefs; the state of having lost such illusions or beliefs:

   Her bitterness and disillusionment were complete when he refused to investigate the corruption she reported because he was in business with some of the people involved.

Word History and Origins

Origin of disillusionment¹

disillusion ( def ) + -ment ( def )

Example Sentences

Elabed now feels both grief and disillusionment—not with the Democratic party but its leadership.

From Slate

The former governor stroke a general tone of disillusionment with politics, saying that he doesn't "like either party right now" and could find fault with both Democratic and Republican platforms.

From Salon

I found Democrats battling insomnia and altering travel plans, Republicans who were friendly to a reporter but suspicious of the mainstream media and an overriding sense of disillusionment.

From Los Angeles Times

It's a sentiment that reflects perhaps disillusionment with US leadership, but also the view by many in the global south that while the rhetoric changes, America’s broad foreign policies really don’t swing that drastically from one administration to the next.

From BBC

The heartbreaking rictus of hurt on Angie’s fallen face at the ceremony, only one of many across Patra’s moving performance, says it all: a combination of disillusionment at the separation she’s feeling from a family she thought she knew and shame for not being able to honor the wishes of her loved one.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adversity
• blow
• chagrin
• defeat
• discontent
• disenchantment
• dissatisfaction
• failure
• frustration
• letdown
• regret
• setback