disappointing

adjective

dis·​ap·​point·​ing ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯin-tiŋ 

: failing to meet expectations

a disappointing meal

disappointingly

ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯin-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Examples of disappointing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Crystal Palace beat 2025 champions Liverpool on penalties in last season’s showpiece, before Liverpool endured a disappointing title defence. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Edwin Díaz’s ninth-inning collapse in a 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers is the latest disaster in what has been a disappointing season for the Dodgers closer. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Having a good listing agent can mean the difference between a frustrating home-selling process with disappointing results and one that is easy and lands the best possible offer. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 12 Aug. 2026

After decades of disappointing share price performance, Amanda Blanc rationalized Aviva to focus on just a few key areas of strength. — Ian King, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disappointing

• anointing
• appointing
• pinpointing
• jointing
• pointing