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

But neither that season, nor the Cleveland Browns’ 0-16 2016, will go down as an abject disappointment on the level of this Chargers season. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Other Democrats have also shared their dismay and disappointment. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 2 Nov. 2026

The goal is pure pleasure, not a statement or message; the worst-case scenario is indifference or mild disappointment—not, say, horror at your fundamental misunderstanding of a long-standing personal relationship. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Henderson remembers her disappointment in former President Richard Nixon, whose presidency ended in 1974 amid the Watergate scandal and political cover-up. — Julianna Bendeck, Sun Sentinel, 1 Nov. 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