disillusioned
Say it: dis-ih-LOO-zhund /ˌdɪsɪˈluʒənd/ · adjective
What “disillusioned” means
Disappointed because something was not as good as you believed.
More precisely: Disappointed after discovering something is not as good as you believed.
Example: “Many young doctors become disillusioned by the long hours and paperwork.”
When to use it
When discovering the truth destroys an ideal or belief. Useful in serious conversation about people, institutions or ambitions.
Similar words
disenchanted, disappointed, let down
Quick check
You admired a charity until you discovered its leaders secretly kept donations for themselves. Now you feel…
disenchanted or disillusioned?
Show the answer
disillusioned
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