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

For Dallas, which had the second-best regular season record in the Western Conference, the early exit from the playoffs was a disappointment. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026

Villa could also be four days removed from winning (or at minimum playing in) the Europa League final, with all the emotion and celebrations/painful disappointment that would entail. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 1 May 2026

So the experience made up for any disappointment about not making the final film? —Alex Ritman, Variety, 1 May 2026

So as Nuggets Nation wades through the dread and the disappointment, president Josh Kroenke has to be prepared to ask tough questions. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 May 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