WordGarden.iodisappoint
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˌɪsəpˈɔɪnt/
US
- /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/
Meanings
Verb
to make someone feel let down because hopes or expectations were not met
Beyond the definition
To disappoint someone means to fail to meet their hopes or expectations. It's the sinking feeling someone gets when a promised treat doesn't happen, or when a friend doesn't show up as planned. Sometimes it's a small thing—like a rainy day ruining your picnic. Other times, it can be much more significant—like a dream job falling through. You might disappoint someone unintentionally, simply by not being able to deliver on a promise. A parent might disappoint their child by saying "no" to a request, even though they love their child dearly. The key is that there was an expectation, and it wasn't met.
To disappoint means to fail to fulfill the hopes or expectations of someone else. It is more than just making someone sad; it involves a sense of unmet anticipation and often carries a weight of regret or frustration. For example: "The news disappointed many investors," meaning their hopes for profit weren't realized.
Disappointment can range from minor inconveniences to profound setbacks. A canceled concert might disappoint a music fan, while a broken promise could deeply disappoint a friend. You can disappoint someone directly through your actions (or inaction), or indirectly by failing to live up to their assumptions.
The word implies that the person being disappointed had a positive expectation in the first place. If someone expects bad news and receives it, they aren't necessarily disappointed—just confirmed in that belief. It is also important to note that you can disappoint yourself—feeling let down by your own performance or choices.
Sometimes, we try to soften the blow of disappointing news with phrases like "I'm sorry to disappoint you." Other times, it's a silent understanding that hangs in the air. Regardless, disappointment is a universal human experience—a reminder that life doesn't always unfold as we hope it will.
Examples
- 1
Customer reaction
The new phone disappointed a lot of customers.
- 2
Family expectations
I didn't want to disappoint my parents, so I called them right away.
- 3
Positive evaluation
Her first novel didn't disappoint.
- 4
Polite bad news
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but the store is closed.
- Usagesorry to disappoint you
a polite way to give bad news
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Sports performance
The team's performance was disappointing after such a strong start.
- 6
Self-judgment
He was disappointed in himself for forgetting the meeting.
- Patterndisappointed in + person
unhappy with that person's actions
- 7
Hotel experience
Many guests were disappointed with the hotel breakfast.
- Patterndisappointed with + thing
not satisfied with it
- 8
Event cancellation
Fans were disappointed by the sudden cancellation of the tour.
See also
Similar
- let down
- dissatisfy
- fall short
Shades of meaning
- underwhelm
- disillusion
- dash someone's hopes
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- disappoint someone
- deeply disappoint
- disappoint expectations
- be disappointed in
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- disappointverb
Forms
- disappointedpast tenseverb
- disappointing-ing formverb
- disappointsverb