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

Still, one audience member still expressed their disappointment over his decision. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026

SpongeBob doesn’t stay stuck in discouragement or disappointment for long, but rather looks for something positive to focus on. —Liz Regalia, Parents, 31 Jan. 2026

All that whimsy and quirk might have been cloying, but the film has real things on its mind, including the mundane disappointments and insecurities of adult life. —Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026

And, to no one's disappointment, seasons 2 and 3 followed suit, hooking fans even more. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Jan. 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