adjective Uncommon

disillusioned

dihs-ih-LOO-zhuhnd

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Disillusioned (adjective) means No longer believing something was as good, true, or admirable as you once thought; disappointed after losing faith in someone or something. Example: “After the scandal, many voters felt disillusioned with the party they had once trusted.”

adjective

No longer believing something was as good, true, or admirable as you once thought; disappointed after losing faith in someone or something.

"After the scandal, many voters felt disillusioned with the party they had once trusted."

"She grew disillusioned with the fashion industry once she saw how it really worked behind the scenes."

How to use disillusioned

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFeeling let down because reality turned out to be worse than what you believed or hoped.

Common mistake

It describes a state, not an action — you don't "disillusion" someone in casual speech nearly as often as you say they became disillusioned.

Common pairings

disillusioned with grow disillusioned increasingly disillusioned

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more disillusioned
Superlative: most disillusioned

Test yourself on “disillusioned” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

After the scandal, many voters felt _____ with the party they had once trusted.

Etymology

Built from disillusion (to free someone from a mistaken belief) plus the ending -ed, so it literally means "having had one's illusions removed."

Antonyms

inspired

Related words

creative inspired divine influenced motivated Elysian

Rhymes for disillusioned

zoned honed toned boned stoned ironed seasoned poisoned buttoned reasoned pardoned mentioned

See all rhymes for disillusioned →

Frequently asked questions

What does “disillusioned” mean?

The word “disillusioned” means no longer believing something was as good, true, or admirable as you once thought; disappointed after losing faith in someone or something. In plain terms, feeling let down because reality turned out to be worse than what you believed or hoped.

How do you pronounce “disillusioned”?

“Disillusioned” is pronounced dihs-ih-LOO-zhuhnd (/dɪs.ɪˈluːʒənd/ in IPA).

How do you use “disillusioned” in a sentence?

Here is “disillusioned” used in a sentence: “After the scandal, many voters felt disillusioned with the party they had once trusted.”

What is the opposite of “disillusioned”?

The opposite of “disillusioned” — its antonyms — is inspired.

What part of speech is “disillusioned”?

“Disillusioned” is an adjective.

Is “disillusioned” a common word?

“Disillusioned” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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creative inspired divine influenced motivated Elysian