discomfiture

noun

dis·​com·​fi·​ture dis-ˈkəm(p)-fə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce discomfiture (audio)
-chər,
 especially Southern  -ˌt(y)u̇r
: the act of discomfiting : the state of being discomfited

Examples of discomfiture in a Sentence

blushed and lowered her eyes in evident discomfiture
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The actor enhances his character’s long inner monologues with his eloquent ice-blue eyes, which can convey emotions ranging from disdain and discomfiture to despair and devotion. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 May 2025 Dolan’s discomfiture is understandable, as cord-cutting was already doing a number on the legacy RSN model well before the NBA began beefing up its national TV slate at the expense of the local sports channels. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025 Everywhere, Ryback says, the cartoonists and editorialists delighted in Hitler’s discomfiture. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Back in the States, Frankie suffers from terrifying episodes of PTSD, from society’s refusal to believe that women served in the conflict and from her own parents’ discomfiture over her service. Katherine A. Powers, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Kedar is sung after eight o’clock in the evening, and to sing it at twilight, at six o’clock, would create slight discomfiture. Amit Chaudhuri, Harper's Magazine, 16 Mar. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of discomfiture was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Discomfiture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discomfiture. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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