disappointment

noun

dis·​ap·​point·​ment ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt 

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

Synonyms

• dismay
• dissatisfaction
• frustration
• letdown

Examples of disappointment in a Sentence

She couldn't hide her disappointment.

He's a disappointment to his parents.

Recent Examples on the Web

Thousands of fans applauded Newcastle through the streets following the FA Cup final disappointments in 1997-98 and 1998-99; those numbers are expected to be dwarfed this time around. —Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025

Layoffs trigger a lot of negative emotions: disappointment, anger, sadness, even embarrassment. —Sho Dewan, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

Big East lands five tournament teams after 2024 disappointment After landing just three bids in the 2024 tournament, five Big East teams got in this year. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2025

Nearly all parents experience something akin to his naive desire, a wish to give their kid the future of their dreams while shielding them from pain and disappointment. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing disappointment

• to someone's disappointment

Rhymes for disappointment

• reappointment
• appointment
• ointment

Kids Definition

disappointment

noun

dis·​ap·​point·​ment ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt 

1

: the act or an instance of disappointing : the state or emotion of being disappointed

2

: one that disappoints

the play was a disappointment