a disappointment that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disappointment that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of disappointment regarding a specific situation or outcome. Example: "It was a disappointment that the event was canceled at the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

By the end, he even seems to be disappointed with Bush himself — a disappointment that was probably reciprocated.

The New York Times - Books

What a disappointment that was.

Independent

What a disappointment that would be.

The New Yorker

"Rubicon," a 1970s-style spy thriller, was a disappointment that was quickly canceled, but it was at least a noble attempt to try something new.

The New York Times - Arts

Except for chewy, muttony lamb, a disappointment that came in two huge and inelegant rib racks, entrees were a luscious lot.

The New York Times

Elected officials in Texas have been decrying the denial of a shuttle to the Space Center Houston since April, a disappointment that was stoked again by news of the Intrepid's changing plan for displaying the shuttle.

The New York Times

Although Woods finished in the top five at both the Masters and the U.S. Open, his 2010 golf season was a disappointment that included no tournament wins and the worst four-round score of his professional career.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He admitted that he has "some big decisions to make" but was too shrewd to act on the spur of the moment, when his mind was still clouded with a disappointment that will linger for a long while yet.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is a disappointment that is widespread".

BBC

"This is a disappointment that is deeply felt by everyone in our team, and we have been working hard to ensure we understand the reasons and deal with them".

BBC

For Chelsea, this was a disappointment that leaves them three points adrift of United and fearing that influential captain Terry could now be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a disappointment that", ensure that the context clearly identifies what or who caused the disappointment. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a disappointment that" without specifying the source of the disappointment. Unclear references can confuse the reader and diminish the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disappointment that" functions as a noun phrase followed by a relative clause introduced by "that". This structure introduces a specific instance or situation which is causing the disappointment. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a disappointment that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey feelings of regret or dissatisfaction about a specific situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, from formal news reports to everyday conversations. The most effective use of "a disappointment that" involves clearly specifying the source of the disappointment to ensure clarity. While alternatives like ""a letdown that"" or ""a setback that"" exist, "a disappointment that" remains a versatile and widely accepted option for expressing negative sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a letdown that

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

a source of disillusionment

Focuses on the feeling of being disillusioned or disenchanted.

a setback that

Highlights the hindrance or obstacle caused by the disappointing event.

a frustrating situation

Focuses on the frustration resulting from the disappointing event.

a discouraging development

Emphasizes the disheartening nature of the event.

an unfortunate event

Downplays the emotional aspect, emphasizing the negative occurrence.

an unsatisfactory result

Highlights the lack of satisfaction with the outcome.

a regrettable circumstance

Emphasizes the regret associated with the situation or outcome.

a cause for dismay

Uses a more formal tone to express disappointment and concern.

a matter of concern

Shifts the focus to the potential problems arising from the disappointment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a disappointment that" to express dissatisfaction with a specific outcome or situation. For instance, "It was "a disappointment that" the project was delayed."

What are some alternatives to "a disappointment that"?

Alternatives include "a letdown that", "a setback that", or "a regret" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a disappointment that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a disappointment that" is used to introduce a clause explaining the reason for the disappointment.

What's the difference between "a disappointment that" and "a disappointment"?

"A disappointment that" introduces a reason or explanation, while "a disappointment" simply states a feeling of dissatisfaction. For example, "The cancelled concert was a disappointment" versus "It was "a disappointment that" the concert was cancelled."