Disappointing
/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/
Definitions
Causing feelings of dissatisfaction or sadness because something is not as good as you expected.
/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/
Causing sadness or dissatisfaction because something is not as good as expected or hoped for.
The restaurant's food was disappointing.
💡 Simply: Imagine you were really looking forward to a delicious ice cream cone, and then you drop it! It's disappointing because it didn't meet your high expectations.
👶 For kids: When you want something to be fun or good, but it's not what you wanted, that's disappointing.
More Examples
His behavior was very disappointing.
The exam results were disappointing.
It was a disappointing outcome for the team.
How It's Used
"The movie was disappointing."
"It was a disappointing performance by the team."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a disappointing turn of events
A sequence of events that leads to a negative or unwanted outcome.
"The company's profits declined, marking a disappointing turn of events for investors."
to have a disappointing day
To experience a day filled with setbacks or unmet expectations.
"After missing the deadline for his project, he admitted to having a disappointing day."
From Middle French *desapointier* (to undo an appointment), from Old French *des- + apointer* (to appoint). The sense shifted from 'thwarting an expectation' to 'causing sadness or dissatisfaction'.
The word's early usage focused on the frustration of thwarted expectations. It was often associated with broken promises or missed appointments.
Memory tip
Think of a 'dis'like and a 'point' of expectation that is missed; hence, disappointing.
Word Origin
"to undo an appointment; to thwart expectations"