disappointed

USAGE SUMMARY

'disappointed' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use 'disappointed' when you feel sad about the outcome of an event or situation. Example: I was disappointed when my team lost the championship game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am not disappointed that the majority has been reduced.

The Guardian

MPs and peers laughed as Merkel, who recalled her first visit to London in the spring of 1990 shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, said those expecting a "fundamental reform of the European architecture" in Britain's direction would be disappointed.

The Guardian

He said he was "disappointed" by the decision to pull the bill, but suggested party leadership would return to the issue when they could be confident they would have the votes to pass it.

The Guardian

"We are deeply disappointed in this decision," he said.

The Guardian

But I think Hilary Swank might be entitled to be disappointed that she didn't make it for her performance in The Homesman and if the Academy was in the market for non-US actors, well … how about Berenice Béjo for The Past?

The Guardian - Film

While the decision disappointed some, particularly those trumpeting the charismatic claims of Yousafzai, the decision marks something of a return to the tradition of honouring work directly connected to disarmament, after the EU in 2012 and the even more controversial prize to Barack Obama in 2009.

The Guardian

"I'm really disappointed and I'm really angry," Steve McClaren said.

The Guardian - Sport

In a statement, the group said it was very disappointed with the "distressing" ruling.

The Guardian

All three were disappointed that the Smiler was closed.

The Guardian - Travel

If McLean was hoping for a similar piece of fortune, he was to be disappointed.

The Guardian - Sport

And over the past few years I haven't been disappointed.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disappointed" to express a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction when expectations are not met. Be specific about the cause of your disappointment to convey the depth of your emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "disappointed" when you actually mean offended. Disappointment stems from unmet expectations, while offense arises from feeling insulted or disrespected. For instance, you'd be "disappointed" if a restaurant closed early, but "offended" if someone made a rude remark.

Linguistic Context

The word "disappointed" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of feeling or emotion resulting from unmet expectations. As shown in examples from Ludwig, it modifies nouns or pronouns to indicate a sense of dissatisfaction or sadness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Travel

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disappointed" is a versatile adjective used to express feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction when expectations are not met. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Sport, and Opinion pieces. To ensure clear and effective communication, avoid confusing "disappointed" with "offended", and consider using synonyms like "let down" or "dissatisfied" to add nuance to your writing. The examples provided demonstrate the range of situations in which "disappointed" can be appropriately used, helping you convey your emotions with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let down

Emphasizes the feeling of being failed or not meeting expectations.

dissatisfied

Focuses on a general feeling of not being pleased or content.

frustrated

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving a goal.

disheartened

Indicates a loss of enthusiasm or confidence.

dejected

Suggests a feeling of sadness and discouragement.

crestfallen

Conveys a sense of deep disappointment and sadness.

downcast

Implies a lowered mood or spirit due to disappointment.

chagrined

Highlights a feeling of embarrassment and annoyance due to failure or disappointment.

disillusioned

Indicates a loss of faith or trust in something previously admired.

unfulfilled

Stresses the sense of not having one's hopes or desires realized.

FAQs

How can I use "disappointed" in a sentence?

You can use "disappointed" to express a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction when something does not meet your expectations. For example, "I was "disappointed" with the movie's ending".

What's the difference between "disappointed" and "frustrated"?

"Disappointed" generally refers to sadness over unmet expectations, while "frustrated" implies being blocked or hindered from achieving a goal. You might be "disappointed" by a cancelled vacation, but "frustrated" by slow internet speed.

What are some alternatives to saying "I am disappointed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I am "let down"", "I am "dissatisfied"", or "I am "unhappy"".

Is it correct to say "I am disappoint" instead of "I am disappointed"?

No, "I am disappoint" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I am "disappointed"", using the past participle form of the verb.