Words / C2

konst-uh-NAYSHUN/ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃn/

Consternation is shocked dismay: cause consternation, to my consternation. Alarm is sharper fear; dismay is sad disappointment; consternation mixes surprise and worry. Do not use it for mild annoyance.

Meaning

A feeling of shocked anxiety or dismay.

Examples

• “The cancelled exam caused consternation among the students.”
• “The missing files caused consternation in the registry.”
• “To our consternation, the guest of honour had the wrong date.”

Good to know

cause consternation / to my consternation. Milder: dismay. Sharper: alarm.

Near in meaning

dismay

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