disappoint

verb

dis·​ap·​point ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint 

disappointed; disappointing; disappoints

transitive verb

: to fail to meet the expectation or hope of : frustrate

the team disappointed its fans

He disappointed his parents with his decision.

intransitive verb

: to fail to meet a hope or expectation : to cause disappointment

where the show disappoints most is in the work of the younger generation

—John Ashbery

Synonyms

• fail
• cheat
• displease
• upset

Examples of disappoint in a Sentence

The team disappointed its fans.

The show may disappoint some viewers.

The novel disappoints by being predictable and overly long.

Recent Examples on the Web

Star clusters Star clusters are some of the most rewarding objects to observe, and the smart telescope did not disappoint. —Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Horace is dying of cancer, and, disappointed with his dynasty, looks to install outsider Kimmie at the head of the family business. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2025

Joseph Wirth, one of his attorneys, told reporters on the steps of the federal courthouse that his client was disappointed that the day didn't end in a verdict. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Luria said he was disappointed in Apple's product strategy over the past year. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English disapointen to dispossess, from Middle French desapointer, from des- dis- + appointer to arrange — more at appoint

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for disappoint

• counterpoint
• multipoint
• needlepoint
• reappoint
• adjoint
• anoint
• appoint
• checkpoint
• conjoint
• disjoint
• endpoint
• gunpoint

Kids Definition

disappoint

verb

dis·​ap·​point ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint 

: to fail to meet the expectation or hope of

the team disappointed its fans