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

The path from that night to now is littered with hope and disappointment for Arnold and the Lions. — Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026

Rising Staff Stress And Customer Dissatisfaction Focus on staff stress and customer disappointment in service. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

In the book, Johnson acknowledges disappointment and sadness, not seeing his Penney’s strategy play out. — David Moin, Footwear News, 26 June 2026

Marcus has a massive drawer filled with those precious scoopers, which Ebra discovers much to his deep disappointment. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 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