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Meaning & use

disconcertion

noun·Advanced

Last updated

UK/ˌdɪskənˈsɜːʃən/
US/ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrʒən/

Meanings

  1. noununcountable

    A feeling of being unsettled, confused, or embarrassed because something unexpected has happened.

    Grammar: Used without 'a' or a plural: 'She felt disconcertion.' Not 'a disconcertion'.

    Patterns

    • feel disconcertion
    • show disconcertion
    • in disconcertion

    A wave of disconcertion passed over him when he realized he had forgotten her name.

    She tried to hide her disconcertion behind a polite smile.

    The sudden question caused visible disconcertion among the students.

  2. noununcountable

    The act of making someone feel unsettled or confused.

    Grammar: Often used with 'the' when referring to a specific act: 'the disconcertion of the audience'.

    Patterns

    • the disconcertion of someone
    • cause disconcertion

    His constant interruptions led to the disconcertion of the whole group.

    The disconcertion of the speaker was clear from her trembling voice.

Common combinations

utter disconcertion
He stared at the broken vase in utter disconcertion.
hide one's disconcertion
She tried to hide her disconcertion by changing the subject.
a look of disconcertion
A look of disconcertion crossed his face when he saw the bill.
cause disconcertion
The unexpected delay caused great disconcertion among the passengers.

Synonyms and how they differ

embarrassment
Stronger focus on social awkwardness; disconcertion is more about being thrown off balance mentally.
confusion
Broader and less emotional; disconcertion implies a specific unsettling event.
unease
A mild, lingering discomfort; disconcertion is often more sudden and reactive.

Opposites

composurecalmness

Word family

disconcert verb
To make someone feel unsettled or confused.
disconcerting adjective
Causing feelings of unease or confusion.
disconcerted adjective
Feeling unsettled or confused.

Commonly confused: disconcertion or disconcerting?

disconcertion vs disconcerting

This is an adjective meaning 'causing unease'; disconcertion is the noun for the feeling or act.

Practice

Choose the correct word: 'The unexpected news caused a great deal of ______ among the staff.'

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