French Conversation · Level 92
60 words
French word
déboire
Pronunciation
IPA/debwaʁ/
Meaning
- masculine nounsetback
Example
Il a connu un déboire dans son projet et a dû tout recommencer.
He suffered a setback in his project and had to start all over.
More examples
Elle a eu des déboires avant de trouver le bon travail.
She experienced setbacks before finding the right job.
Core concept
A failed plan that leaves a bitter aftertaste of disappointment.
Common phrases
avoir des déboires
experience setbacks
déboires sentimentaux
romantic disappointments
Similar words
échec: The unsuccessful outcome of an effort, task, or undertaking.
déception: The letdown experienced when reality falls short of expectations.
contretemps: An unforeseen setback that interrupts planned arrangements.
revers: A setback in plans caused by a major misfortune or defeat.
Definition in French
Déception ou revers éprouvé à la suite d'un projet, d'une attente ou d'une entreprise qui tourne mal.
Word origin
French déboire comes from Old French desboire, formed with des- and boire, and developed from a drinking-related sense to the modern sense of a bitter setback.
Usage tips
- Déboire is masculine, and the plural phrase avoir des déboires commonly refers to repeated or accumulated setbacks.
Other meanings
- disappointmentnoun
- failurenoun
- misfortunenoun
Opposites
- succèssuccessnoun