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 of disappointment

• 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

Have there been any disappointments? —Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026

But the William Blair analyst sees potential upside once the Street gets over its first disappointment. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2026

Asked if there was a disappointment along the way in not being able to do a deal amid his season-long extension window, Powell turned diplomatic. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026

Artists who worked on the film expressed their disappointment on social media. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

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