chagrin
Say it: SHAG-rin /ʃəˈɡrɪn/ · noun
What “chagrin” means
Embarrassment or annoyance because you failed or looked foolish.
More precisely: Annoyance or embarrassment at having failed or been made to look foolish.
Example: “To my chagrin, I'd sent the proposal to the wrong client.”
When to use it
Use it when a mistake leaves you embarrassed and annoyed with yourself. It sounds fairly formal, often with gentle humour.
Similar words
embarrassment, mortification, vexation
Where it comes from
From French chagrin, "sorrow, vexation."
Quick check
You confidently announce that you won the quiz, then discover you added your score wrongly. What do you feel?
resentment or chagrin?
Show the answer
chagrin
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “chagrin”