consternation
/ˌkɒn.stəˈneɪ.ʃən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A feeling of sudden worry, shock, or alarm, especially because something unexpected has happened. It often shows that people are upset and do not know what to do next.
- The news caused consternation among the staff.
- She looked at the broken vase in consternation.
- To his consternation, the train had already left.
Adinary Nuance
Consternation is stronger and more formal than simple worry. It suggests sudden shock plus confusion, not just everyday stress. It is close to alarm, shock, and dismay, but it often sounds more written and less emotional than panic.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự bàng hoàng
- Spanish
- consternación
- Chinese
- 惊愕
- Japanese
- 困惑
- Korean
- 당황
Etymology
Consternation comes from Latin consternare, meaning “to confuse” or “throw into panic.” It entered English in the 16th century.
Common phrases
to someone's consternationgreat consternationcause consternation
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is consternation a formal word?
- Yes. It is more common in writing, reports, and news than in casual speech.
- What is the difference between consternation and shock?
- Shock is the immediate feeling. Consternation adds worry or confusion about what happens next.
- Can I use consternation in business writing?
- Yes. It fits formal reports when something unexpected causes concern or alarm.
- How do I use consternation in a sentence?
- Use it as a noun: “To our consternation, the meeting was cancelled.”