Words / C2

SHAGR-in/ˈʃæɡrɪn/

Chagrin is annoyance or disappointment at failure or humiliation (formal): to her chagrin, much to his chagrin. Embarrassment and annoyance are everyday. A grin is a lookalike. Do not write chagrin for grief at a death.

Meaning

Annoyance or disappointment at having failed or been humiliated (formal).

Examples

• “To her chagrin, the “unique” figure was in last year’s appendix.”
• “To her chagrin, the “unique” figure was already in last year’s appendix.”
• “Annoyance is everyday; chagrin adds the sting of being shown up. Shame can be moral; chagrin is often professional. A grin is a smile. Grief is a different register.”

Good to know

Mortified annoyance (formal). Everyday: embarrassment / annoyance. Mix-up: grin. Not grief, and not moral shame.

Near in meaning

embarrassment

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