disappointment

noun dis·ap·point·ment \ ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt \

Definition of disappointment

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

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See disappointment defined for kids

Examples of disappointment in a Sentence

She couldn't hide her disappointment.
He's a disappointment to his parents.

Recent Examples of disappointment from the Web

U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed disappointment in Morales’ decision.

— sonia perez d., The Seattle Times, "Guatemala president moves to expel UN anti-corruption chief," 27 Aug. 2017
Other CEOs expressed disappointment in the president's decision but did not resign.

— robert channick, chicagotribune.com, "CEOs had to weigh business, moral implications against Trump's 'toxicity,' experts say," 17 Aug. 2017
No Kentucky running back has rushed for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons – only two have reached that plateau twice in their careers – but anything less than that would be a disappointment for Snell as a sophomore.

— jon hale, The Courier-Journal, "UK football | Preseason team award predictions for the Wildcats," 16 Aug. 2017
Board decisions A gasp of disappointment could be heard when the four-member board unanimously approved the planning department's recommended up-zoning of more than 35 acres around the intersection of Route 23 and Route 24 in Forest Hill.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Harford planning board nixes big industrial rezoning request, supports most others," 10 Aug. 2017
Question: What's been the biggest disappointment for you and what's been the biggest success after six years?

— david sharos, Naperville Sun, "Chef's Choice: She's living the dream with her own Mexican restaurant," 3 Aug. 2017
Nevertheless, the pair quickly merged their personal and creative lives in a way that was at the time and to their disappointment—frequently misunderstood.

— stephen mooallem, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Ballad of Sean & Yoko," 31 July 2017
For the Afghans working to build this team, the high-profile attention and approval meant a great deal after several weeks of disappointment and dashed hopes.

— gayle tzemach lemmon, The Atlantic, "The Young Robot-Builders of Afghanistan," 16 July 2017
But all this requires suspending the scepticism that has become ingrained after years of disappointment.

— The Economist, "CharlemagneThe EU must show the Balkans they still have a chance of joining," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disappointment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.