let down — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings

let down

disappoint someone

be the weak point

lower something

Meaning 1 · most common

disappoint someone

let sb down

To fail to do what someone expects, making them feel disappointed or upset.

How oftenVery common

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I promised to help my friend move, but I let her down by not showing up.

A: Did you finish the project on time?
B: No, I let my team down. I feel really bad about it.

Common mistake

Not: I'm sorry to let ~~down you.~~

Say: I'm sorry to let you down.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'let you down', not 'let down you'.

More on “disappoint someone”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important not to let your friends down, especially when they rely on you for support.

Tell it apart

Don't let me down.

disappoint me

Let the rope down slowly.

lower it

Goes with

let + down

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Next meaning: be the weak point

Meaning 2

be the weak point

let down sth sth

A scene showing “let down” meaning “be the weak part”.

To make something less effective, impressive, or successful than it could be, often by being a weak or disappointing aspect of it.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The film was visually stunning, but the weak script really let it down.

A: How was the conference?
B: The keynote speakers were great, but the organisation let the whole event down.

Common mistake

Not: The film was let down ~~for~~ the bad acting.

Say: The film was let down by the bad acting.

In the passive, the weak element takes 'by' — 'let down by X'.

More on “be the weak point”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

While the research was thorough, the lack of clear conclusions let the paper down and weakened its overall impact.

Tell it apart

The bland sauce let the dish down.

was the weak point

The waiter let us down.

disappointed us as people

Goes with

let + down

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Next meaning: lower something

Meaning 3

lower something

let sth down

A scene showing “let down” meaning “lower slowly”.

To move something to a lower position, usually slowly and carefully.

How oftenNow and then

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

He let the rope down slowly so the climber could reach the ground safely.

A: Can you let the blinds down? The sun is too bright.
B: Sure, I'll do it now.

Common mistake

Not: Let down it gently.

Say: Let it down gently.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'let it down', not 'let down it'.

More on “lower something”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During the experiment, we had to let the equipment down carefully to avoid any damage.

Tell it apart

She let the bucket down the well.

lowered it

She let her friend down.

disappointed her

Goes with

let down

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disappoint someone be the weak point lower something