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 of disappoint

• 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

Some bands with a four-decade career would be disappointed by the turnout, or by the realization that many fans not wearing Maiden shirts are dressed in Megadeth merch. — Jon Wiederhorn, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

The 19-year-old has not disappointed, picking up two assists and his first goal for the club on Sunday. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment — Shares plunged 17% after the arcade and restaurant company’s second-quarter results disappointed investors. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Classic Potato Salad Someone needs to bring the potato salad, and if you’re nominated, this classic recipe won’t disappoint. — Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2026

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