chagrin

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noun cha·grin \shə-ˈgrin\

Definition of chagrin

: disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure

See chagrin defined for English-language learners

See chagrin defined for kids

chagrin was our Word of the Day on 12/31/2006. Hear the podcast!

Examples of chagrin in a Sentence

As many a woman has learned to her chagrin, pathological liars are brilliant at deception. —Katha Pollitt, Nation, 16 June 2003
In World War I, to his chagrin, Eisenhower again found himself on the sidelines, performing training duties stateside while Pershing, MacArthur, and Patton earned their battle ribbons. —U.S. News & World Report, 16 Mar. 1998
In 1628, to the chagrin of Governor William Bradford, the Pilgrims erected an 80-foot Maypole, danced around it, drank beer, and sang. —E. C. Krupp, Sky & Telescope, May 1994
Imagine my chagrin when a whiz kid from Dayton made all A's in the first quarter while I made two B's and a C+. —John Hope Franklin, Race and History, 1989
The fact that he'd been unable to attend the funeral was a source of chagrin for Ted.
She had gained five pounds over the winter, much to her chagrin.
He decided to get a tattoo, to the chagrin of his parents.

Recent Examples of chagrin from the Web

War for the Planet of the Apes (July 14) Those damn dirty apes continue to look for world conquest—much to the chagrin of Woody Harrelson's Colonel Kurtz-ish human military leader—in this oh-so-grim third installment of the prequel-reboot franchise.

— nick schager, Esquire, "11 Movies Worth the Haul to the Multiplex in July 2017", 26 June 2017
To the chagrin of some party loyalists, Hogan over the past two years mostly has opted out of big fundraisers, endorsing only a few candidates in the 2016 elections and taking a hands-off approach in the selection of state party leaders.

— ovetta wiggins, Washington Post, "Gov. Larry Hogan outlines big plans for Maryland Republicans in 2018", 15 June 2017
In the opposition red corner is the Labour Party’s Jeremy Corbyn, a 68-year-old socialist who was elected leader by party members two years ago — to the chagrin of many Labour lawmakers, who wanted a more centrist chief.

— jill lawless, The Seattle Times, "Who’s who, what’s at stake in Britain’s unexpected election", 8 June 2017
Although that 1944 mission — dubbed Operation Overlord — was ultimately a success, Winston Churchill had his doubts, to the chagrin of the Allied High Command.

— alan zilberman, idahostatesman, "‘Churchill’ drags, as both history and entertainment", 8 June 2017
In the opposition red corner is the Labour Party's Jeremy Corbyn, a 68-year-old socialist who was elected leader by party members two years ago — to the chagrin of many Labour lawmakers, who wanted a more centrist chief.

— jill lawless, chicagotribune.com, "Quickly: What's the deal with the U.K. election today?", 8 June 2017
To the chagrin of information activists, the new laws permit the French government to monitor the private communications of individuals without having secured judicial authorization.

— james mcauley, chicagotribune.com, "May wants Britain to follow European lead emphasizing cyber security", 4 June 2017
The Cavs were blown out by Golden State in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night, much to the delight of a raucous Warriors crowd — and to the chagrin of Rihanna, chirping and pointing from her courtside seat and again backstage after the game.

— mike anthony, courant.com, "On The Fly: Rihanna, Like All Cavs' Fans, Disappointed In Game 1", 2 June 2017
Although that 1944 mission — dubbed Operation Overlord — was ultimately a success, Winston Churchill had his doubts, to the chagrin of the Allied High Command.

— alan zilberman, The Denver Post, "“Churchill” drags, as both history and entertainment", 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chagrin'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Chagrin comes from French, in which it means "grief," "sorrow," or essentially the same thing as our "chagrin," and in which it is also an adjective meaning "sad." Some etymologists have linked this "chagrin" with another French chagrin, meaning "rough leather or "rough skin." Supposedly, the rough leather used to rub, polish, or file became a metaphor in French for agitating situations. English-speakers have also adopted the leathery "chagrin" into our language but have altered the spelling to "shagreen."

Origin and Etymology of chagrin

French, from chagrin sad

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First Known Use: circa 1681

See Words from the same year

chagrin

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verb cha·grin \shə-ˈgrin\

Definition of chagrin

chagrined

play \-ˈgrind\;

chagrining

play \-ˈgri-niŋ\

transitive verb
: to vex or unsettle by disappointing or humiliating he was chagrined to learn that his help was not needed

Recent Examples of chagrin from the Web

Chagrined to learn that none of his students could recall a school visit by a scientist, Mr. Sutter hosted several graduate students from nearby Ohio University.

— amy harmon, New York Times, "Climate Science Meets a Stubborn Obstacle: Students", 4 June 2017

Origin and Etymology of chagrin

see ¹chagrin

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First Known Use: 1733

See Words from the same year

CHAGRIN Defined for English Language Learners

chagrin

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noun

Definition of chagrin for English Language Learners

: a feeling of being frustrated or annoyed because of failure or disappointment

CHAGRIN Defined for Kids

chagrin

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noun cha·grin \shə-ˈgrin\

Definition of chagrin for Students

: a feeling of being annoyed by failure or disappointment … curiosity soon overcame any chagrin he felt at not being allowed to pass the doorway. — Brian Jacques, Redwall