disappointed in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disappointed in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express feelings of dissatisfaction or letdown regarding a person, situation, or outcome. Example: "I was really disappointed in the way the event was organized; it did not meet my expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm disappointed in my skin".

The New York Times - Sports

"I am disappointed in him.

The New York Times

"I'm disappointed in the police.

Independent

I'm real disappointed in Congress.

The New York Times

People are disappointed in Obama.

The New York Times

We're disappointed in the results.

The New York Times

I was disappointed in myself".

Independent

"I'm terribly disappointed in Obama".

The New Yorker

"I'm disappointed in him".

The New York Times

"He's disappointed in himself.

The New York Times - Sports

Genuinely disappointed in you".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disappointed in" when expressing a sense of letdown regarding someone's actions, qualities, or performance. For situations or objects, "disappointed with" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "disappointed in" when referring to inanimate objects or situations. While "I'm disappointed in the team's performance" is correct, "I'm disappointed with the result" is preferable to "I'm disappointed in the result".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disappointed in" functions primarily as an adjective phrase expressing a feeling of dissatisfaction or regret toward a person or entity. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in expressing personal feelings, such as "I'm disappointed in myself", or criticizing others' actions, as in "I'm disappointed in the police".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "disappointed in" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey dissatisfaction or regret, particularly towards people or their actions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely employed in news, media, and various other contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of the distinction between "disappointed in" and the sometimes interchangeable, sometimes more fitting phrase "disappointed with", and make sure to tailor your expression depending on the object of disappointment. The most authoritative sources that frequently employ "disappointed in" include The New York Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bitterly disappointed by

This adds emphasis to the feeling of disappointment, indicating a stronger negative emotion.

dissatisfied with

This phrase conveys a general sense of discontent or lack of satisfaction.

let down by

This alternative focuses on the feeling of being failed or unsupported by someone or something.

unhappy with

This option suggests a state of displeasure or discontent regarding a particular situation or person.

frustrated by

This implies a feeling of annoyance and impatience due to obstacles or unmet expectations.

displeased with

This indicates a formal expression of disapproval or dissatisfaction.

deceived by

This phrase highlights the feeling of being misled or betrayed by someone or something.

underwhelmed by

This indicates a lack of excitement or impressiveness regarding something.

chagrined by

This suggests a feeling of embarrassment or humiliation caused by disappointment.

crestfallen about

This indicates a state of sadness and disappointment, often due to a setback or failure.

FAQs

What is the difference between "disappointed in" and "disappointed with"?

"Disappointed in" is typically used to express disappointment in a person or their actions, while "disappointed with" is used for things, situations, or outcomes. For example, "I am "disappointed in him"" versus "I am "disappointed with the result"".

What can I say instead of "disappointed in" to express dissatisfaction?

You can use alternatives such as "let down by", "dissatisfied with", or "unhappy with" depending on the context.

How do I use "disappointed in" correctly in a sentence?

Use "disappointed in" followed by the person or entity you are expressing disappointment towards. For instance, "I'm "disappointed in your behavior"" or "They are "disappointed in the lack of progress"".

Is it grammatically correct to say "I'm disappointed at" instead of "I'm disappointed in"?

While "disappointed at" can be used, it is less common than "disappointed in" or "disappointed with". "Disappointed in" generally relates to people, and "disappointed with" to things, so it's best to reserve "disappointed at" for specific situations where it feels most natural.