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
Examples of disappointment in a Sentence
She couldn't hide her disappointment.
He's a disappointment to his parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition to the elation and disappointment that are inherent to the highest level of international competition, the 2026 Olympics had their own distinctive moments.
—
The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Westminster, where members of the breed had won Best in Show four years in a row in the early twentieth century, was always a disappointment in the twenty-first.
—Margaret Moorman, New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2026
Getting a new haircut is an opportunity for both greatness and disappointment, depending on how the appointment goes.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
That was a big disappointment, probably my biggest personal disappointment.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disappointment
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The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Westminster, where members of the breed had won Best in Show four years in a row in the early twentieth century, was always a disappointment in the twenty-first.
—Margaret Moorman, New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2026
Getting a new haircut is an opportunity for both greatness and disappointment, depending on how the appointment goes.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
That was a big disappointment, probably my biggest personal disappointment.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disappointment
Cite this Entry
“Disappointment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disappointment. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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