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

• 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

And that could be a sign that the manager is on his way out as the team looks to regroup after yet another disappointment. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

There’s still disappointment, but guys had done it once before. —Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

With an opening-weekend tally of just over $6 million, Benny Safdie’s Dwayne Johnson–starring movie was a disappointment. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025

Investors reacted with disappointment, sending Ferrari’s stock price tumbling. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 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