1
as in saddening
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
2
as in inadequate
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in failing
to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of
they were disappointed by the outcome of the big game
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disappointing
Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Lagway started 19 games in two seasons but transferred after a disappointing sophomore season featuring an SEC-leading 14 interceptions and 16 touchdowns.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
However, the company didn't raise its 2025 forecast, disappointing some investors.
—Seema Mody, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disappointing
Adjective
Following Kelce’s latest Super Bowl appearance in 2025 — where the Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 22-40 — the Kansas City team had a rather disappointing 2025 season.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Lagway started 19 games in two seasons but transferred after a disappointing sophomore season featuring an SEC-leading 14 interceptions and 16 touchdowns.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
People in the comments section told the woman that sometimes disappointing your parents is the byproduct of setting necessary boundaries.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
However, the company didn't raise its 2025 forecast, disappointing some investors.
—Seema Mody, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disappointing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disappointing
Adjective
-
The iconic Hollywood Studios archway has been demolished at Walt Disney World, saddening fans.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
-
That would be a saddening surrender to might makes right.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The National Transportation Safety Board in June said inadequate training and management oversight had been among the problems at the company, according to its investigation into what led to the door plug blowout in January 2024.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Right before the gunfire at Brown, the suspect stopped in a bathroom at the Barus & Holley building, where a man – later identified as John, per a police affidavit – noticed his clothes seemed inadequate for the cold weather.—
Michelle Krupa,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
More than 10,000 people have reportedly been arrested in recent weeks for participating in the anti-government protests sparked by Iran’s failing economy, according to human rights groups, and many have begun to demand total regime change as the demonstrations continue.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Some of Miami’s 23 turnovers were a function of OKC’s attacking defense, but others were simply careless, including an over-and-back violation by Jaime Jaquez; Dru Smith and Pelle Larsson passes to nobody in particular; and Bam Adebayo failing to grab a catchable pass that sailed out of bounds.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Erika plot is one of the several dissatisfying threads in this episode.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
14 Nov. 2025
-
Last season, the Bruins strung together three wins against Rutgers, Nebraska and Iowa – but that team resembled Chip Kelly’s decent-if-dissatisfying regime.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Miami played well early, taking a 59-54 lead into the break before being undone by turnovers and deficient board work, a torrent of OKC threes and the greatness of defending MVP Shae Gilgeous-Alexander, who fueled a 15-0 third quarter run to put the Thunder ahead by 13.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The longstanding bridge, which was deemed structurally deficient, connects downtown to the East Side.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Contessa’s Corner Sports leagues, state gambling regulators and tribal leaders have all raised concerns that prediction market trades on sports don’t have the same level of guardrails as sportsbooks to protect against cheating by athletes, referees, coaches and other insiders.—
Alex Sherman,Contessa Brewer,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The predictions were that unleashing AI to the world at large would lead to an exponential rise in cheating at school and that student essays would cease to be original.—
Degen Pener,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Their status has been diminished by what has — charitably — been a really discouraging decade, featuring two separate relegations.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
High taxes squeeze margins and send a discouraging signal to firms.—
Andrew Rein,
New York Daily News,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Heat had beat up on inferior opponents this season before Saturday’s ugly loss to the Pacers.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The result is an inferior copy of the original.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disappointing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disappointing. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
