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 of disappointment

• frustration
• dismay
• dissatisfaction
• sadness

Examples of disappointment in a Sentence

She couldn't hide her disappointment.

He's a disappointment to his parents.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bernadine’s strain of Black feminine righteous indignation and disappointment was also distinct from the often comical ferocity of the Blaxploitation heroine. —Niela Orr, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025

Comets head coach Stefan Stokic admitted his disappointment with his side’s offensive struggles. —Nathan Dunn, Kansas City Star, 22 Dec. 2025

Losing to the Jaguars was a disappointment. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025

In the courtroom, the judge voiced his disappointment to have to be putting the family through such trauma again. —Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 20 Dec. 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