Dismay is an emotional response characterized by feelings of shock, disappointment, or distress. It often arises when expectations are not met or when faced with unexpected challenges. People may experience dismay in various situations, such as receiving bad news or encountering failure. This emotion can affect decision-making and overall well-being. When someone feels dismayed, they may struggle to find motivation or clarity. Understanding dismay is important for managing emotions and developing coping strategies, especially in difficult circumstances like loss, failure, or unexpected changes.