reproachfulness
Disappointed, blaming demeanor
The quality of expressing disappointment or disapproval, especially in a way that makes someone feel guilty or ashamed.
A reproachful look or tone conveys blame without necessarily stating it directly: The reproachfulness in her eyes said more than any lecture could.
The word carries a sense of wounded expectation—someone trusted you to do better.
Express sharp disapproval
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
admonishment · castigation · chastisement · denunciation · faultfinding · blame · complaint · objection
Scornful disregard
- contemptDisdainful disregard
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
dissatisfaction · discontent · indignation · resentment · exasperation · frustration · impatience · disapprobation
Painful awareness of failure
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- compunctionUneasiness from guilt
pangs · self-blame · self-condemnation · chagrin · conscience · accusation · finger-pointing · recrimination
Angry facial expression
- frownDisapproving facial expression
- glareFierce stare or brightness
- tut-tuttingMaking disapproving sounds
- sighAudible emotional breath
pursed lips · raised eyebrow · stare · side-eye · sniff · huff · cold shoulder · withering look
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
reprimand · admonishment · castigation · chastisement · denunciation · faultfinding · blame · complaint · objection · disparagement
disdain
Scornful disregard
- contemptDisdainful disregard
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
disappointment · dissatisfaction · discontent · indignation · resentment · exasperation · frustration · impatience · disapprobation · disfavor
shame
Painful awareness of failure
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- guiltMoral self-reproach
compunction · pangs · self-blame · self-condemnation · chagrin · conscience · accusation · finger-pointing · recrimination
scowl
Angry facial expression
- frownDisapproving facial expression
- glareFierce stare or brightness
- tut-tuttingMaking disapproving sounds
sigh · pursed lips · raised eyebrow · stare · side-eye · sniff · huff · cold shoulder · withering look
reproachfulnessforgiveness
Releasing resentment toward offenders
pardon · absolution · exoneration · clemency · mercy
reproachfulnessapproval
Favorable opinion given
commendation · compassion · understanding · acceptance · warmth
approach, approaching, reproach, approachable, approaches, approached, reproachful, irreproachable, reproachable