Quick answer
Chagrin means a feeling of embarrassment, annoyance, or wounded pride. It is usually pronounced shuh-GRIN, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Chagrin
Chagrin means a feeling of embarrassment, annoyance, or wounded pride. It belongs to emotions and peculiar mind states and works best in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
emotionsmind-stateexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, chagrin refers to a feeling of embarrassment, annoyance, or wounded pride. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Chagrin feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Chagrin is generally traced to from French chagrin, linked to distress or vexation. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Chagrin is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as chagrin.
- In the novel, one chagrin is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used chagrin in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain chagrin before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating chagrin because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use chagrin when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses.
Similar words
embarrassment, mortification, vexation, disappointment
Opposite or contrasting words
satisfaction, delight, pride
Common questions
- What does chagrin mean? a feeling of embarrassment, annoyance, or wounded pride.
- How do you pronounce chagrin? It is commonly pronounced shuh-GRIN.
- Is chagrin still used today? Chagrin is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use chagrin? Use chagrin when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses.
- What words are similar to chagrin? Similar words include embarrassment, mortification, vexation, and disappointment.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.