What are the meaning of "chagrin"?

Chagrin is primarily a noun that describes a deep feeling of vexation, disappointment, or humiliation, typically arising from experiencing failure, embarrassment, or an unexpected setback. It can also function as a verb, meaning to cause someone to feel this type of distress. For example, one might say, “Much to his chagrin, he missed the opportunity,” where the term captures not just the disappointment but also an element of personal indignation or upset.

The term originates from French, where it originally conveyed notions of grief or sorrow. Over time, its usage in English has evolved to emphasize the emotional sting of disappointment and self-reproach when one’s actions—or lack thereof—lead to less-than-desirable outcomes. Cambridge Dictionary describes it as a feeling of being upset or mortified, while Merriam-Webster also highlights its sense of displeasure and annoyance caused by failure or disappointment . Collins English Dictionary similarly notes that *chagrin* is characterized by a mix of annoyance and embarrassment, often linked to one’s own missteps .

In daily use, describing someone as “chagrined” captures the immediate emotional response of hurt pride or regret upon encountering an unexpected setback. This layered term, thus, encapsulates not only disappointment but also the internal conflict that accompanies self-awareness of one’s shortcomings.