disappointment

noun

dis·​ap·​point·​ment ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt How to pronounce disappointment (audio)
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

Examples of disappointment in a Sentence

She couldn't hide her disappointment. He's a disappointment to his parents.
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.
Planting trees that aren't adapted to your climate will inevitably end in disappointment. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025 Karbler notes that dejection and disappointment are common reactions in these kinds of scenarios. Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 27 Oct. 2025 There’s often a focus on resilience, or the the ability to bounce back from disappointments and challenges, especially during times of transition or change. Ana Homayoun, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025 The pitcher is Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers — a team that finished with the best record in baseball at 97 wins only to endure its own playoff disappointment against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disappointment

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disappointment was in 1577

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Cite this Entry

“Disappointment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disappointment. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

disappointment

noun
dis·​ap·​point·​ment ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt How to pronounce disappointment (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of disappointing : the state or emotion of being disappointed
2
: one that disappoints
the play was a disappointment

More from Merriam-Webster on disappointment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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