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

The team achieved significant regular-season success, including 13-3 records in two of Gannon's four seasons there, but postseason disappointments remained a frustration. —Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

That would be a serious disappointment for a team that invested a lot in this season’s roster. —Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025

This may come as a disappointment to some in the EFL marketing department, after Peterborough knocked Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham out at the semi-final stage. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025

Chief among the disappointments was the penalty shootout defeat by League Two Colchester United in 2019-20. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 Apr. 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