1
as in disappointment
the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met
the museum exhibit was just so-so, and we returned home with a vague sense of letdown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to disappoint
to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of
with my poor performance I really felt that I had let my teammates down
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of letdown
Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
The Panthers have a history of letdowns after big wins.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 28 Dec. 2025
Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
And Lidia, as a character, is someone who unfortunately lets a lot of people down because she’s been so egregiously let down, which is a lot to carry and process.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for letdown
Noun
While this is still a rivalry, there has to be some form of letdown.
—Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
The Panthers have a history of letdowns after big wins.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
For my money, the scene in the movie’s final five minutes, in which Harry lets down his guard and confronts Sally with his feelings at a New Year’s Eve party, is the most comic and romantic in any romantic comedy.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
And Lidia, as a character, is someone who unfortunately lets a lot of people down because she’s been so egregiously let down, which is a lot to carry and process.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for letdown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for letdown
Noun
-
Your confidence can be a bulwark against disappointment in others in February.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
On the disappointment of 2024 In April 2024, the Chiefs traded up one spot to select Suamataia out of BYU with the 63rd overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Golden Globes, famously known as the wildest show during the awards circuit, didn't disappoint this year.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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While encircled outside his locker Saturday, disappointed in the result but proud of his team’s effort, Coker answered questions about his career game.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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British officials downplayed the pause as temporary, insisting momentum would resume amid complex negotiations, but the impasse signals broader frustrations with Europe’s regulatory posture toward American innovation, market access, and economic sovereignty.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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Emotions were on full display with many expressing sadness and frustration, not only over Wednesday's federal raid, but raids happening around the Twin Cities over the last 40 days.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There is bafflement alongside the dismay.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
10 Jan. 2026
-
My seven-year-old, the daredevil of the family, was just an inch or so off the height requirements for zip lining high above the Central Park neighborhood and the FlowRider surf simulator, much to her dismay.—
Chrissie McClatchie,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Letdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/letdown. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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