Disappointment
/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe feeling of sadness or displeasure when something you hoped for does not happen.
/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/
The feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.
The news of the cancelled trip brought a wave of disappointment.
💡 Simply: It's like when you really, really want something to happen, like getting a toy for your birthday, but it doesn't happen. You feel a bit sad and let down. For example, imagine your favorite team losing the big game: that's a disappointment!
👶 For kids: When you want something to happen, but it doesn't. You feel a bit sad.
More Examples
His disappointment was evident in his slumped shoulders and downcast eyes.
The company's financial results were a disappointment to investors.
She tried to hide her disappointment when she didn't get the job.
How It's Used
"She expressed her disappointment at not being selected for the team."
"The novel explores the theme of disappointment in love and life."
"Disappointment can lead to feelings of sadness and depression."
The state or condition of feeling disappointed.
/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/
The state or fact of being disappointed.
The disappointment of the delayed flight was visible on the passengers' faces.
💡 Simply: It's like being in the middle of feeling bummed out because something didn't go as you hoped. Think of the *state of being* disappointed, rather than just the feeling.
👶 For kids: The feeling of being sad because something didn't happen how you wanted.
More Examples
The lack of funding was a major disappointment for the research project.
The company's quarterly report reflected a significant disappointment in profits.
The entire family expressed their disappointment over the new policy.
How It's Used
"The project's failure was a significant disappointment for the team."
"The disappointing sales figures were discussed at the board meeting."
Something or someone that fails to meet expectations and causes disappointment.
/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/
A person or thing that causes disappointment.
The movie was a real disappointment; the plot was predictable and boring.
💡 Simply: It's when something – a person, place or thing – doesn't live up to your hopes. Like, you went to a new restaurant that everyone raved about, but the food wasn't good. That restaurant was a disappointment!
👶 For kids: Something that isn't as good as you thought it would be. It makes you feel sad.
More Examples
The new car turned out to be a disappointment after several mechanical failures.
The team's performance was a disappointment to the fans.
He was a disappointment as a leader and his team did not perform well.
How It's Used
"The new movie was a complete disappointment; I fell asleep halfway through."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to be a disappointment
To fail to meet expectations or standards.
"The team was a disappointment this season, losing more games than they won."
From Middle English *disapointement*, from Old French *desapointement*, from *desapointer* (“to disappoint”).
The word 'disappointment' has been used since the 17th century to describe a feeling of sadness caused by something not meeting expectations.
Memory tip
Imagine popping a balloon you thought was filled with candy – that's disappointment!
Word Origin
"to frustrate someone's hopes; to fail expectations"