a sharp disappointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp disappointment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of disappointment regarding an event or situation. Example: "The team's loss in the final match was a sharp disappointment for all the fans who had high hopes for their victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The failure of Nigel Farage, the party's boisterous leader, to win the constituency of Thanet South was a sharp disappointment.

The Economist

• On a weekend that saw a sharp disappointment for UK box office hopeful Lucky Break, UK mega-hit Bridget Jones's Diary passed the $100m £68.80mm) international box office mark, having debuted in several territories, including Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and Finland.

The Guardian - Film

The proposed increases represent the largest gain in state aid in more than a decade for some affluent suburban districts, but they were a sharp disappointment for many historically poor urban districts that have received more support in the past.

The New York Times

The delay came as a sharp disappointment, for instance, to Samuel Moulton, a Harvard University lecturer who had bought tickets for Nov. 14 as the high point of a New York getaway with his girlfriend, who is flying over from England.

The New York Times

At the same time, the result was a sharp disappointment to international business interests, which have been alarmed by increasing use of the law to sue multinational corporations for human rights violations and had looked to the Supreme Court to curb the trend.

The New York Times

The group said that the Bush administration's reluctance to sign on to international treaties, like an international criminal court and global warming, have been a "sharp disappointment" to many nations that rallied behind the United States in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They had a particularly sharp disappointment at Newcastle Central, scene of a sturdy Liberal advance in a by-election in November 1976.

The Guardian

Alice in Wonderland, released in 1951, met with a lukewarm response at the box office and was a sharp critical disappointment in its initial release.

Wikipedia

May he and his friends suffer no sharp disappointment.

The Guardian

This movie is enchanting, too, but it goes deeper; it's more direct, with intimations of sharp disappointment and unhappiness.

The New Yorker

Several black directors, in interviews, raised the same issue, but also expressed sharp disappointment in commercial and nonprofit producers for failing to create those opportunities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sharp disappointment", consider the intensity you want to convey. It suggests a strong and often unexpected feeling of letdown, so ensure it aligns with the context of your writing. Save it for situations where the disappointment is genuinely significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp disappointment" for trivial or inconsequential matters. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for instances where the disappointment is substantial and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp disappointment" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It denotes a strong feeling of disillusionment or frustration, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp disappointment" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong feeling of letdown. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and illustrates its use in various contexts, primarily within News & Media. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the disappointment is genuinely significant to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "a bitter letdown" or "a profound disillusionment" to fine-tune the conveyed emotion. With a high expert rating, this phrase offers a potent way to articulate substantial disillusionment in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bitter letdown

Emphasizes the negative emotional impact of the disappointment, suggesting resentment or regret.

a profound disillusionment

Highlights the depth of the disappointment, implying a loss of faith or trust.

a crushing anticlimax

Focuses on the contrast between expectation and reality, stressing the underwhelming outcome.

a severe setback

Shifts the focus to the hindering effect of the disappointment on progress or plans.

a considerable frustration

Emphasizes the irritation and impatience caused by the disappointment.

a major regret

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

a deep dissatisfaction

Focuses on the feeling of unhappiness and unmet expectations.

a marked displeasure

Suggests a more formal or restrained expression of disappointment.

a palpable letdown

Emphasizes the clear and noticeable nature of the disappointment.

a stinging rebuke

Implies that the disappointment is a form of criticism or rejection.

FAQs

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

Use "a sharp disappointment" to describe a situation or outcome that significantly fails to meet expectations, causing a strong feeling of letdown. For example, "The cancellation of the project was "a sharp disappointment" to the team."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp disappointment" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "a bitter letdown", "a profound disillusionment", or "a crushing anticlimax" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sharp disappointment" formal or informal?

"A sharp disappointment" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In highly formal settings, you might opt for alternatives like "a considerable frustration" or "a marked displeasure".

What's the difference between "a sharp disappointment" and "a mild disappointment"?

"A sharp disappointment" indicates a strong and often unexpected feeling of letdown, while "a mild disappointment" suggests a lesser degree of dissatisfaction. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.