disappointment

noun

dis·​ap·​point·​ment ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt How to pronounce disappointment (audio)
Synonyms of disappointmentnext
1
: the act or an instance of disappointing : the state or emotion of being disappointed
2
: one that disappoints
he's a disappointment to his parents

Examples of disappointment in a Sentence

She couldn't hide her disappointment. He's a disappointment to his parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The disappointment in Marder was short-lived. Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 Some scientists, such as astrobiologist Adam Frank, warn that seeking sacredness in topics like dark matter might end in disappointment because science constantly evolves. ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026 And sometimes that’s the best catalyst for a good season is the disappointment of the year before at the end but also the confidence that the season gave them. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Before 2024, Sydney, now 27, responded to every minor upset, irritant, or disappointment with drug use. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disappointment

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disappointment was in 1577

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Cite this Entry

“Disappointment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disappointment. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

disappointment

noun
dis·​ap·​point·​ment ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt How to pronounce disappointment (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of disappointing : the state or emotion of being disappointed
2
: one that disappoints
the play was a disappointment

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