disappointing

adjective

dis·​ap·​point·​ing ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯin-tiŋ How to pronounce disappointing (audio)
: failing to meet expectations
a disappointing meal
disappointingly adverb

Examples of disappointing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On Saturday, the Clemson Tigers were already dealing with one disappointing injury, which significantly impacted their chances of turning around the season. Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025 Kyle Whittingham’s team has looked resurgent at some points this season, blowing out UCLA and Arizona State, but that has been tempered by a blowout loss to Texas Tech and a disappointing rivalry loss. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 After a disappointing domestic debut and meager turnout overseas, the sci-fi sequel is fading too fast to have any hope of recouping its $180 million production budget in theaters. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025 Lofton, who was dealing with an injury earlier in the year, has had a disappointing second season. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disappointing

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disappointing was in 1530

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Cite this Entry

“Disappointing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disappointing. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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