asking for disappointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for disappointment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where someone is seeking or expecting something that is likely to lead to disappointment. Example: "By setting such high expectations for the event, you are essentially asking for disappointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

General advice

Theater reviews

Cultural commentary

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's asking for disappointment to expect kids to know Thomas Hoving or a B-36.

The New Yorker

Anyone expecting shelter from the chills of January at the Harvey Theater in Brooklyn is asking for disappointment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

— "A Dean's Advice to Seniors: Don't Slack Off" by Martha C. Merrill, dean of admission and financial aid at Connecticut College Far more common than revocation of admission is a warning letter, expressing disappointment and asking for an explanation.

The New York Times

Tim Hunt actually made remarks that led to the host organization communicating their disappointment and asking for a formal apology.

Forbes

But to Galton and Simpson's disappointment, Hancock rejected it, asking for something "more international".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She expressed her disappointment in people's idea that asking for consent is awkward; asking should be normalized.

Huffington Post

But analysts say Britain is still probably asking for more than Europe can give, and is setting itself up for disappointment.

The Washington Post

In some ways, it's exactly what I've been asking for from LG, and in others it simply brings about disappointment.

TechCrunch

The BBC complaints department told viewers contacting it that it had "received a wide range of feedback about this, and some people have expressed their disappointment or have asked for more information".

The Guardian

A spokesman said Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma had seen the reports with "dismay and disappointment" and had asked for "clarification" from the country.

BBC

Magath acknowledged the disappointment at Craven Cottage, but asked for patience from supporters as he the club rebuilds in the second tier.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "asking for disappointment" when you want to emphasize that someone's actions or expectations are almost certain to lead to a negative outcome. Consider the context to ensure the phrase's tone is appropriate, as it can sound critical.

Common error

Avoid using "asking for disappointment" when the outcome is merely uncertain, not highly probable. If there's a reasonable chance of success, a less critical phrase like "risking disappointment" might be more fitting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for disappointment" functions as a predicative adjective, describing a situation or action that is likely to result in disappointment. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used to highlight the potential negative consequences of certain behaviors or expectations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asking for disappointment" is a phrase used to describe a situation or action almost guaranteed to lead to negative results. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is rare. It is used in various contexts, including news, general advice, and cultural commentary. When employing the phrase, ensure that the negative outcome is probable and that the tone is appropriate. Alternatives like "inviting disappointment" or "setting yourself up for a letdown" can provide nuanced variations of the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courting disappointment

Emphasizes actively seeking or attracting disappointment.

inviting disappointment

Highlights the act of making disappointment more likely.

setting yourself up for a letdown

Focuses on preparing oneself for a negative result.

tempting fate for a setback

Suggests that someone is pushing their luck and will meet some kind of unfortunate eventuality

begging for a negative outcome

Implies actively and perhaps foolishly soliciting a bad result.

precipitating a regrettable situation

Focuses on causing a situation likely to lead to regret.

creating conditions for disillusionment

Highlights the establishment of circumstances that will lead to disappointment

ensuring a negative result

Emphasizes that actions taken will secure a negative result.

guaranteeing disillusionment

Highlights that disillusionment it is an unavoidable result.

fostering unrealistic expectations

Focuses on nurturing expectations likely to lead to disappointment when unmet.

FAQs

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

You can use "asking for disappointment" to point out that someone's actions or high expectations will likely lead to a negative outcome. For example, "Expecting immediate success in a new venture is "asking for disappointment"."

What are some alternatives to "asking for disappointment"?

Some alternatives include "inviting disappointment", "setting yourself up for a letdown", or "courting disappointment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be "asking for disappointment"?

Yes, the phrase "asking for disappointment" inherently carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is behaving or expecting something in a way that will likely result in unhappiness or failure. It usually implies that the negative outcome is very probable.

What's the difference between "asking for disappointment" and "taking a risk"?

"Asking for disappointment" suggests a high probability of a negative outcome due to unrealistic expectations or unwise actions. "Taking a risk", on the other hand, implies acknowledging potential negative outcomes as well as positive one, but still proceeding despite it. There's a higher chance of success associated with "taking a risk" compared to "asking for disappointment".