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

General manager Ross Atkins, hours after the deadline, apologized to fans for the disappointment on the heels of a World Series appearance. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Fazio expressed disappointment that Thursday’s forum was closed to the public and to most of the media. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

The cast are clustered around a table of props and despite her disappointment at the lack of hag wigs, Dale Dickey is flapping a fishing net like a seafaring matador. — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

Although some neighbors, like Ringleb and Kasparis, have shared their disappointment over the loss of the public green space, others have celebrated the prospect of something new coming to the site. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 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