Dejected vs Depressed

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

 DejectedDepressed
MeaningFeeling sad and without hope.Feeling very sad or hopeless for a long time.
CEFR levelB1B2
Part of speechadjectiveadjective
Usage notesUse 'dejected' in emotional contexts, often to describe someone who is disappointed. Avoid in overly casual situations.Use 'depressed' to describe a person's mental state, typically in neutral contexts. Avoid casual or flippant usage. It’s more serious than being 'sad'.

Frequently asked questions: Dejected vs Depressed

What's the difference between "Dejected" and "Depressed"?

"Dejected" means: Feeling sad and without hope. "Depressed" means: Feeling very sad or hopeless for a long time.

When should I use "Dejected" and "Depressed"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Dejected" and "Depressed" the same CEFR level?

"Dejected" is at B1, "Depressed" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.

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