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

From uptempo EPs to albums that were years in the making, this week’s list of fresh releases won’t disappoint. —Okla Jones, Essence, 21 Nov. 2025

On the drive to Long’s home, Vargas said he was disappointed with Border Patrol’s action, mainly because agents were supposed to be targeting criminals. —Charlotte Observer, 21 Nov. 2025

You certainly won't be disappointed with this laptop, especially with a $250 discount right now. —PC Magazine, 20 Nov. 2025

Pixar’s most recent release was last summer’s Elio, which disappointed at the box office despite a positive critical response. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 20 Nov. 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