discomfiture: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “discomfiture” mean?
A feeling of embarrassment, unease, or confusion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A feeling of embarrassment, unease, or confusion.
The state of being disconcerted, frustrated, or thwarted; an event or situation that causes such a feeling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word in the same formal contexts.
Connotations
Formal, somewhat literary. Conveys a sense of being thrown off balance, often in a social or intellectual context.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, slightly more prevalent in British formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “discomfiture” in a Sentence
[subject] caused (him) great discomfiture[subject] tried to hide/conceal his discomfiture[subject] watched with (visible) discomfitureVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “discomfiture” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The politician was thoroughly discomfited by the interviewer's probing questions.
American English
- Their aggressive strategy discomfited the opposing team.
adjective
British English
- He wore a discomfited expression throughout the meeting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in describing reactions to failed negotiations or public relations blunders (e.g., The CEO could not hide his discomfiture during the difficult Q&A session).
Academic
Found in literary criticism, history, and psychology texts analyzing characters' emotional states or social interactions.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Would sound overly formal.
Technical
Not typically used in scientific or technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “discomfiture”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “discomfiture”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discomfiture”
- Confusing it with 'discomfort' (a more general physical or mental unease).
- Misspelling as 'discomfiter', 'discomfeture'.
- Using it in an informal context where 'embarrassment' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Discomfort' is a broader term for physical or mental unease (e.g., back discomfort, social discomfort). 'Discomfiture' specifically refers to the feeling of embarrassment, unease, or confusion resulting from a setback, failure, or social faux pas.
No, it is a formal, low-frequency word (C2 level). It is more common in written English, particularly in literary, academic, or formal journalistic contexts, than in everyday speech.
Primarily no. Its core meaning is psychological and social—a feeling of embarrassment or being thrown off balance. While extreme embarrassment might have physical symptoms (blushing), the word itself denotes the emotional state.
Yes, the verb is 'discomfit'. It means to make someone feel uneasy, embarrassed, or disappointed. Example: 'The unexpected news discomfited the entire board.'
A feeling of embarrassment, unease, or confusion.
Discomfiture is usually formal in register.
Discomfiture: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈkʌm.fɪ.tʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈkʌm.fɪ.tʃɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To one's discomfiture (e.g., To his discomfiture, the plan failed publicly.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIScomfort + deFEATure. Discomfiture is the discomfort you feel when you are defeated or embarrassed.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISCOMFITURE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (He was thrown into discomfiture), DISCOMFITURE IS A CONTAINER (She was in a state of discomfiture).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'discomfiture' used INCORRECTLY?