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Definition of crestfallen

crestfallen

/ˈkrɛstˌfɔː.lən/
crest · fal · len
Adverb:crestfallenly
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crestfallen Lexical Profile

crestfallen Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Sad, dejected, and disappointed, especially following an unexpected setback or failure.

Example

"The young pianist looked crestfallen when she realized her name was not on the list of finalists."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for crestfallen
Antonyms
View all antonyms for crestfallen

• Nearby Words

crested
crested gecko
crested porcupine
crestfallen
cresting
cretaceous
cretan

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century, this compound originally referred to a defeated fighting cock or warhorse whose crest or head drooped after a loss.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Crestfallen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/crestfallen
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