disappointed by

USAGE SUMMARY

"disappointed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to feeling let down or unsatisfied because of a situation. For example: "I was disappointed by the outcome of the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was disappointed by it.

Independent

"We were disappointed by it.

Independent

Disappointed by the acts?

The Guardian - Music

We're disappointed by it.

The New York Times - Sports

But they were disappointed by their search.

Independent

"I was disappointed by it," she said.

The New York Times

Have you been disappointed by its reception?

The New York Times - Arts

Scheherazade looked somewhat disappointed by his answer.

The New Yorker

"I'm so disappointed by the performance.

The Guardian - Sport

"Springer Nature is disappointed by Couperin's decision...

Harvard University

"We're disappointed by the silence".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disappointed by" when expressing a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction due to unmet expectations. Ensure the context clearly identifies what caused the disappointment.

Common error

While "disappointed with" is sometimes used interchangeably, "disappointed by" is generally preferred when the disappointment stems from a specific event, action, or decision. "Disappointed with" is often used in broader contexts relating to qualities or attributes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disappointed by" functions as an adjective phrase expressing a feeling of dissatisfaction or sadness caused by a particular event, person, or thing. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a state of being let down because expectations were not met. The phrase commonly links a subject to the source of their disappointment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disappointed by" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express feelings of dissatisfaction or sadness due to unmet expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, maintaining a generally neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the cause of the disappointment. While similar phrases like "let down by" or "dissatisfied with" exist, "disappointed by" often conveys a more specific reaction to an event or decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let down by

Focuses on the act of being failed or betrayed by someone or something.

dissatisfied with

Emphasizes a lack of satisfaction regarding a particular aspect or feature.

underwhelmed by

Suggests that something did not meet expectations or was not as impressive as anticipated.

displeased with

Highlights a sense of annoyance or disapproval.

frustrated with

Implies a feeling of irritation and helplessness due to unmet expectations.

chagrined by

Indicates a feeling of embarrassment or humiliation caused by something.

crestfallen because of

Highlights a feeling of dejection or sadness due to a specific reason.

dismayed at

Expresses a feeling of shock and disappointment.

saddened by

Focuses on the sorrow or unhappiness caused by something.

disheartened by

Indicates a loss of enthusiasm or motivation.

FAQs

How can I use "disappointed by" in a sentence?

You can use "disappointed by" to express a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction. For example, "I was "disappointed by" the movie's ending" or "She was "disappointed by" the team's performance".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "disappointed by"?

Similar phrases include "let down by", "dissatisfied with", or "underwhelmed by". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "disappointed by" or "disappointed with"?

While both are acceptable, "disappointed by" is often used when the disappointment is caused by a specific event or action. "Disappointed with" might be used for more general dissatisfaction. In many cases, they are interchangeable.

What's the difference between "disappointed in" and "disappointed by"?

"Disappointed in" usually implies disappointment in a person, often due to their behavior or actions. "Disappointed by" is more commonly used for events, outcomes, or things. For example, you might be "disappointed in your son" but ""disappointed by" the election results".