失意(しつい)

しつい
noun
disappointment; dejection; despair
formalemotion
1. disappointment; dejection; despair
A state of deep discouragement or loss of hope, especially after one's expectations or ambitions have been thwarted. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
失意(しつい)のどん底(ぞこ)にいる。
To be in the depths of despair.
試験(しけん)に落(お)ちて失意(しつい)に暮(く)れた。
I was overcome with disappointment after failing the exam.
失意(しつい)の中(なか)にあっても、彼(かれ)は希望(きぼう)を捨(す)てなかった。
Even in the midst of despair, he did not give up hope.

Describes a deep sense of discouragement or crushed hopes, typically after a significant setback or failure. More literary and weighty than everyday words for disappointment.

Common collocations

  • 失意(しつい)のどん底(ぞこ): the depths of despair
  • 失意(しつい)に暮(く)れる: to be overcome with disappointment
  • 失意(しつい)の中(なか): in the midst of dejection
  • 失意(しつい)のうちに: while in a state of despair

Similar words

失意(しつい) vs 得意(とくい): these form an antonym pair. 得意(とくい) means triumph or pride (in its literary sense), while 失意(しつい) means dejection.

Related Words

Compare: 落胆(らくたん) (discouragement)
Compare: 絶望(ぜつぼう) (despair)
general
Added 2026.3.31 1:07 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
20500/20774_shitsui