letdown

noun

let·down | \ ˈlet-ˌdau̇n

Definition of letdown

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : discouragement, disappointment his latest novel is a letdown

b : a slackening of effort : relaxation

2 : the descent of an aircraft or spacecraft to the point at which a landing approach is begun

3 : a physiological response of a lactating mammal to suckling and allied stimuli whereby previously secreted milk from the acini is expelled into ducts and drawn through the nipple

let down

verb

let down; letting down; lets down

Definition of let down (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to allow to descend gradually

2a : to fail to support felt her parents had let her down

b : disappoint the plot lets you down at the end afraid of letting his father down

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about letdown

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Examples of letdown in a Sentence

Noun

the museum exhibit was just so-so, and we returned home with a vague sense of letdown the eagerly anticipated new movie starring our favorite actor turned out to be a big letdown

Verb

with my poor performance I really felt that I had let my teammates down

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In 2006 in a sectional semifinal at South Milwaukee, Bay View had lost a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter to Milwaukee South and appeared to be on the doorstep of a major letdown. — Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "After covering prep sports in Milwaukee for 14 years, I offer my 10 favorite games I've seen in person.," 23 Feb. 2018 Defensive back Ron Parker, linebacker Justin Houston and fullback Anthony Sherman are among those who have been part of several postseason letdowns. — Dave Skretta, The Seattle Times, "Chiefs’ Mahomes ready for postseason debut against Colts," 7 Jan. 2019 Nina Metz: There is so much to unravel here, but the episode felt like a letdown compared to last week’s, which had such a clear storytelling focus. — Nina Metz, chicagotribune.com, "‘Claws’ Episode 5 recap: 5 things to know about ‘Vaginalologist’ and the good doctor’s betrayal," 9 July 2018 The emotional sore spot that's causes much of the holiday letdown is our own childlike wistfulness and greediness. — Harper's BAZAAR, "How To Cope With Holiday Loneliness," 25 Dec. 2014 But the plan to halve one of the biggest proposed economic developments in years could also be viewed as a letdown for the 20 locales that Amazon chose as finalists earlier this year. — Shayndi Raice, WSJ, "Amazon Plans to Split HQ2 Evenly Between Two Cities," 5 Nov. 2018 The Cougars cannot afford any letdown against a very good Stanford team, which not only got an extra couple of days rest having played Thursday the week before, but will also have the crowd on its side. — Scott Hanson, The Seattle Times, "No. 14 WSU football at No. 24 Stanford: What to watch for — and a prediction," 26 Oct. 2018 So among the 21 backs chosen in rounds 2 through 5, five were unbridled successes, two didn’t disappoint and the remaining 14 were huge letdowns. — Michael Beller, SI.com, "Draft RB or WR in the First Round? That Question Is Far From Simple for Fantasy Football Owners," 2 July 2018 He is protected by an impenetrable and ever-present armor of enthusiasm that has helped him endure any setback, letdown or underestimation. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Taylor Swift (Kind of) Came Out of Hiding to Praise BFF Ed Sheeran," 20 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'letdown.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near letdown

let bug

let bygones be bygones

Statistics for letdown

Last Updated

14 May 2019

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Time Traveler for letdown

The first known use of letdown was in the 12th century

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More Definitions for letdown

letdown

noun

English Language Learners Definition of letdown

: something that is not as good as it was expected to be

letdown

noun

let·down | \ ˈlet-ˌdau̇n

Kids Definition of letdown

: disappointment sense 2

letdown

noun

\ ˈlet-ˌdau̇n\

Medical Definition of letdown

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a physiological response of a lactating mammal to suckling and allied stimuli whereby increased intramammary pressure forces previously secreted milk from the acini and finer tubules into the main collecting ducts from where it can be drawn through the nipple