a disappointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a disappointment' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation, an experience, or a feeling of displeasure that is the result of one's expectations not being met. For example: "The result of the election was a disappointment to many."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A disappointment.

The Guardian - Film

Prepare for a disappointment.

The New York Times

2001: a disappointment?

The Economist

"That's a disappointment".

The New York Times

"And that's a disappointment".

The New York Times

"That is a disappointment".

The New York Times

A disappointment, yes.

The Economist

It was a disappointment.

Independent

"Kind of a disappointment.

The New York Times

What a disappointment!

The New York Times

Still, it was a disappointment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the disappointment when choosing synonyms. For a milder form, use "a letdown"; for a more severe case, consider "a setback".

Common error

While "a disappointment" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "a regrettable outcome" or "below expectations" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disappointment" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject complement, direct object, or appositive, describing something that has failed to meet expectations or caused dissatisfaction. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

14%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a disappointment" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey dissatisfaction when expectations are not met. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, synonyms like "a letdown" can be used for milder expressions and "a setback" for more severe cases. Overusing the phrase, especially in formal writing, should be avoided for better impact. Understanding the nuanced usage can improve clarity and impact in both spoken and written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a letdown

This term is a direct synonym, suggesting something failed to meet expectations.

below expectations

Indicates a performance or result that falls short of what was anticipated.

a setback

Focuses on the negative impact or hindrance caused by the unmet expectation.

less than satisfactory

A formal way of saying something is not good enough.

falling short of the mark

Indicates a failure to achieve a desired standard or goal.

a source of regret

Highlights the feeling of sadness or remorse associated with the disappointing outcome.

a failure to deliver

Highlights the inability to meet a promise or expectation.

a missed opportunity

Emphasizes the loss of a chance or potential benefit.

a regrettable outcome

Focuses on the unfortunate nature of the result.

a non-event

Implies that something expected to be significant turned out to be inconsequential.

FAQs

How can I use "a disappointment" in a sentence?

You can use "a disappointment" to describe an event, result, or experience that failed to meet expectations. For example, "The movie was "a disappointment" after all the hype".

What are some alternatives to saying "a disappointment"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a letdown", "below expectations", or "a source of regret".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a disappointment"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Disappointment" is a noun, and "a" is the indefinite article used before singular, countable nouns that start with a consonant sound.

When is it best to use "a disappointment" versus other similar phrases?

"A disappointment" is appropriate when you want to express a general feeling of dissatisfaction. More specific phrases like "a setback" or "a missed opportunity" are better when you want to highlight the specific nature of the unmet expectation.