disappointment
dih-suh-POYNT-muhnt
Disappointment (noun) means the feeling of sadness or letdown when something doesn't meet expectations. Example: “He felt a pang of disappointment when the concert was cancelled.”
noun
1
The feeling of sadness or letdown when something doesn't meet expectations.
"He felt a pang of disappointment when the concert was cancelled."
"Their disappointment was obvious when the rain ruined the picnic."
"She couldn't hide her disappointment at losing the award."
2
Something or someone that fails to meet expectations.
"The sequel was a huge disappointment after such a great first film."
"I'm sorry, I know I've been a disappointment to you."
"The new restaurant was a real disappointment."
How to use disappointment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the feeling of being let down, or the thing/person that let you down.
Common pairings
to my disappointment
a huge disappointment
express disappointment
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Word forms
- Plural
- disappointments
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He felt a pang of _____ when the concert was cancelled.
Etymology
From disappoint + -ment.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for disappointment
See all rhymes for disappointment →Frequently asked questions
What does “disappointment” mean?
The word “disappointment” means the feeling of sadness or letdown when something doesn't meet expectations. In plain terms, either the feeling of being let down, or the thing/person that let you down.
How do you pronounce “disappointment”?
“Disappointment” is pronounced dih-suh-POYNT-muhnt (/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “disappointment” in a sentence?
Here is “disappointment” used in a sentence: “She couldn't hide her disappointment at losing the award.”
What is another word for “disappointment”?
Words with a similar meaning to “disappointment” include let-down and setback.
What part of speech is “disappointment”?
“Disappointment” is a noun.
Is “disappointment” a common word?
“Disappointment” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “disappointment” have?
“Disappointment” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the feeling of sadness or letdown when something doesn't meet expectations.
What is the difference between disappointment and regret?
Disappointment is the sadness you feel when something fails to meet your expectations, and the cause is often outside your control. Regret is sorrow about something you yourself did or failed to do, so it points inward rather than at an unmet expectation.
What is the difference between disappointment and frustration?
Disappointment is the letdown felt when hopes or expectations are not met, while frustration is the irritation of being blocked from achieving something. Disappointment typically arrives after an outcome is known; frustration usually builds while an obstacle is still in the way.
Which preposition goes with disappointment — in, with, or at?
All three are correct in different contexts. People commonly express disappointment "in" or "with" a person or thing, and disappointment "at" or "over" an outcome or event, so "her disappointment in the team" and "his disappointment at the result" are both natural English.
Can you call a person a disappointment?
Yes. Besides naming the feeling, disappointment can refer to someone or something that fails to meet expectations, as in "the sequel was a disappointment." Applied to a person it is a strong criticism, so it tends to appear in pointed or emotional statements.
