a disappointment for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disappointment for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something has not met expectations or has caused disappointment to someone or a group. Example: "The cancellation of the concert was a disappointment for many fans who had been looking forward to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was a disappointment for us".

The New York Times

What a disappointment for Pontius.

The Guardian - Sport

That was a disappointment for me".

The New York Times

"It's a disappointment for the community.

The New York Times

The shift is a disappointment for Microsoft.

The New York Times

It was a disappointment for us," he said.

The New York Times

It was a disappointment for Ebeling and Rafalca's owners.

The New York Times - Sports

What a disappointment for the Parisian that he was neither.

The New York Times - Books

It would be a disappointment for us not to meet".

The New York Times - Sports

Monday morning's headlines will be a disappointment for the FN.

The Guardian

"It's a disappointment for the big teams," Coly said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for concision, consider that the synonym "a letdown for" is shorter, which can enhance readability and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a disappointment for" without clearly specifying who or what the disappointment is directed towards. Ambiguity can confuse the reader and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disappointment for" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to express that something caused disappointment to a specific entity. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in attributing disappointment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Music

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a disappointment for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that someone or a group experienced unmet expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as a predicative adjective, highlighting the recipient of the disappointment. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. For alternative expressions, consider options like "a letdown for" or "fell short of expectations for", depending on the desired tone and emphasis. Remember to clearly specify who or what the disappointment is directed towards to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a letdown for

Replaces "disappointment" with a more informal synonym, emphasizing the feeling of being let down.

a source of dismay for

Substitutes "disappointment" with "dismay", suggesting a stronger feeling of distress or concern.

a setback for

Focuses on the negative impact or hindrance caused by the disappointing event.

a blow for

Implies a sudden and damaging disappointment, often used in contexts of failure or defeat.

fell short of expectations for

More explicitly states that something did not meet the anticipated standards or hopes.

failed to satisfy

Highlights the lack of fulfillment or contentment resulting from the disappointing event.

a cause for regret for

Indicates that the situation has led to feelings of sorrow or remorse.

a bitter pill to swallow for

Emphasizes the difficulty and unpleasantness of accepting the disappointing outcome.

an anticlimax for

Suggests a disappointing end to something that was expected to be exciting or impressive.

a downer for

Uses a slang term to express that something has dampened the mood or enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

Use "a disappointment for" to indicate that something failed to meet expectations for a particular person or group. For example: "The canceled event was "a disappointment for" many fans".

What's a more formal alternative to "a disappointment for"?

A more formal alternative would be "a source of dismay for" or "fell short of expectations for". These options convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it always necessary to specify who the "disappointment" is for?

Clarity is key. Specifying who or what the "disappointment" is directed towards avoids ambiguity. If the subject is clear from context, it might be omitted, but generally, it's best to be explicit.

Which is more appropriate, "a disappointment to" or "a disappointment for"?

"A disappointment for" emphasizes the recipient of the disappointment, while "a disappointment to" focuses on the impact. Both are correct, but ""a disappointment for"" is generally preferred when highlighting who experienced the unmet expectation.