a disappointing decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disappointing decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing dissatisfaction or regret about a choice that has been made. Example: "The committee's announcement of the new policy was met with criticism, as many viewed it as a disappointing decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

So I think this is a disappointing decision".

The New York Times

"This is a disappointing decision taken in haste without the required level of discussion and consultation," said Augustine P. Mahiga, the United Nations special representative for Somalia.

The New York Times

"It's a disappointing decision," said Fred Kozak, the president of Canadian Media Lawyer's Association, one of several groups that had intervened on behalf of The National Post.

The New York Times

Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK, said the court's rejection of the appeal was a "disappointing decision and a missed opportunity".

Independent

"It is a disappointing decision because while the law was not used a lot, it did have an impact on the behaviour of players," said Hackett.

The Guardian - Sport

It changes the whole outlook of the game, down to 10 men and gives us a boost and it is a disappointing decision.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

McDonnell described the NEC's decision to appeal the high court judgment as a "deeply disappointing decision by a small clique of people behind closed doors"; but he welcomed the results of the NEC elections.

The Guardian

Harriet Wistrich, the solicitor at the London law firm Birnberg Peirce who represents the De Menezes family, said: "This is a very disappointing decision for a family who have fought for the last 11 years to get justice and accountability, although we are pleased to note that there were four of the 17 judges who dissented.

The Guardian

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers described the sending-off at the time as "a really disappointing decision" but Uefa rules permit an appeal  only "where a decision by the referee involves an obvious error (such as mistaking the identity of the person penalised)".

BBC

But courtesy of the same Mr Phillimore who has exposed the great, daylight myth in Caledonian Road, backed by the committed anti-dirigiste Eric Pickles, Stratford's district council recently lost to Bloor Homes and Hallam Land Management, in what the Conservative council leader, Christopher Saint, called a "sad day for Stratford and localism and a bitterly disappointing decision".

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think it's a really disappointing decision by Marvel editorial to choose this kind of artist for a variant cover on a female-lead comic.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a disappointing decision", ensure that the context clearly explains why the decision is considered disappointing. Specificity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a disappointing decision" as a generic phrase. Always provide context or reasons why the decision is disappointing to avoid weakening the statement's impact. Vague uses diminish credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disappointing decision" functions as a noun phrase, where "disappointing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "decision". It typically serves to name a choice or outcome considered undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a disappointing decision" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for expressing dissatisfaction with a choice or outcome. Ludwig AI affirms its validity. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for a variety of settings. To maximize its impact, provide specific context regarding why the decision is considered disappointing. Consider using alternatives like "an unfortunate choice" or "a regrettable action" to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey your disappointment and ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfortunate choice

Emphasizes the negative consequences or bad luck associated with the decision.

a poor determination

Indicates the decision was not of good quality or well-considered.

a regrettable action

Highlights a sense of remorse or sorrow about the decision.

an unfavorable judgment

Focuses on the negative outcome or impact of the decision.

a discouraging verdict

Highlights the disheartening or demoralizing effect of the decision.

a suboptimal determination

Suggests the decision was not the best possible option, often in a technical context.

a dissatisfactory conclusion

Emphasizes the lack of satisfaction derived from the decision.

a suboptimal outcome

Focuses on the result of the decision being less than ideal.

a less than ideal resolution

Suggests the decision did not fully satisfy the needs or expectations.

a setback

Implies that the decision represents a reversal or obstacle to progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a disappointing decision" in a sentence?

You can use "a disappointing decision" to express dissatisfaction with a choice or outcome, as in, "The committee's announcement was "a disappointing decision" because it failed to address key concerns".

What can I say instead of "a disappointing decision"?

You can use alternatives like "an unfortunate choice", "a regrettable action", or "a suboptimal determination depending on the context.

Is it better to say "disappointing decision" or "disagreeable decision"?

"Disappointing decision" is generally preferred when expressing a feeling of sadness or frustration about an outcome. "Disagreeable decision" implies more direct opposition or conflict. The best choice depends on the specific context and intended nuance.

What makes a decision "a disappointing decision"?

A decision is ""a disappointing decision"" when it fails to meet expectations, resolve a problem effectively, or produce a desired outcome. It suggests a sense of unmet potential or unrealized hope.