disappointing

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​ap·​point·​ing ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯin-tiŋ 

: failing to meet expectations

a disappointing meal

disappointingly

ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯin-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

disappointing

2 of 2

present participle of disappoint

Examples of disappointing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Those facts are obscured by their 8-8 record since a disappointing haul before the trade deadline. — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Walmart's disappointing sales and Home Depot's strength among budget-conscious do-it-yourselfers indicate middle-class American consumers are growing more tight-fisted, even as wealthier shoppers have kept supporting luxury brands like Ralph Lauren. — Juveria Tabassum, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Summary Stellantis faces immense pressure as its shares plummet over 55% this year, driven by costly EV missteps, significant write-downs, and disappointing profits. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Baltimore is amid a disappointing season, but its mediocrity has been enough to compete in a very poor American League. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disappointing

• anointing
• appointing
• pinpointing
• jointing
• pointing