disappointing

adjective

dis·​ap·​point·​ing ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯin-tiŋ 

: failing to meet expectations

a disappointing meal

disappointingly

ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯin-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Examples of disappointing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was schadenfreude at One World Trade last week when Carter sold his publication Air Mail for $16 million, primarily in stock, to the gossipy digital new startup Puck — a disappointing exit for a publication that had positioned itself as the digital evolution of Vanity Fair for a new age. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025

The 46-45 loss to the Blue Devils was yet another low point in what continues to be a disappointing season for Clemson. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025

The Crimson Tide have bounced back in a major way from last season’s disappointing 9-4 campaign, and quarterback Ty Simpson is a Heisman Trophy favorite. —Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025

There’s lore recaps and reviews, or essays about how disappointing the sequels were. —Will Borger, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disappointing

• anointing
• appointing
• pinpointing
• jointing
• pointing