disappointing about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disappointing about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing dissatisfaction or regret regarding a specific subject or situation. Example: "I find it disappointing about the lack of communication from the team during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But there is something disappointing about it.

The Economist

That's probably what's most disappointing about it".

The New York Times - Sports

You don't find something disappointing about... reality?

The New Yorker

"There is something deeply disappointing about it all," said Tomkins.

The Guardian

But there is something more disappointing about John McCain's opportunistic pandering than, say, Harry Reid's.

The Economist

Mr. Page insisted that there was nothing disappointing about Google's performance.

The New York Times - Tech

However, what is disappointing about this work is that they should be even higher.

The Guardian

And the battery life is disappointing: about 2.5 hours per charge.

The New York Times - Tech

What could possibly be worrisome or puzzling or disappointing about that?

The New York Times - Sports

For all its technical skill, there's something disappointing about Fede Alvarez's Evil Dead (2013, StudioCanal, 18).

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

WHEN Russia announced it had started shipping low-enriched uranium fuel to power the civilian nuclear reactor it is helping Iran build at Bushehr, George Bush tried to squeeze some comfort out of a piece of news which for the international effort to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions was a disappointing about-turn.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "unfortunate regarding" or "regrettable concerning" for a more formal tone in academic or professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "disappointing about" without clearly specifying the source or cause of the disappointment. Vague statements can weaken your message. Instead of saying "It's disappointing about the situation", specify "It's disappointing about the lack of communication in this situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disappointing about" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, used to describe a noun or situation that causes disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is correct and usable. It typically expresses a negative sentiment or assessment regarding something specific.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "disappointing about" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey dissatisfaction or unmet expectations regarding a particular subject, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and serves to express a negative evaluation. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for academic or professional writing. When using "disappointing about", ensure you are specific about the source of disappointment to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives such as "unfortunate regarding" or "regrettable concerning" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate regarding

Replaces "disappointing" with "unfortunate", focusing on the negative consequences rather than the emotional response.

regrettable concerning

Substitutes "disappointing" with "regrettable", emphasizing a sense of sorrow or remorse about the situation.

unsatisfactory in relation to

Replaces the adjective with a more formal expression, highlighting a failure to meet expectations.

subpar with respect to

Emphasizes a deficiency in quality or performance relative to a standard.

deficient in terms of

Focuses on the lack of something necessary or desirable, implying a specific shortcoming.

lacking with regard to

Highlights the absence of a particular quality or feature, indicating an inadequacy.

deficient when it comes to

Similar to "deficient in terms of", but more informal and conversational.

below expectations for

Directly states that something has not met the anticipated level of performance or quality.

a letdown concerning

Uses the noun phrase "a letdown" to express disappointment, shifting the focus to the feeling of disillusionment.

a source of dissatisfaction regarding

Formal expression emphasizing the concept that the issue brings general discontent.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "disappointing about"?

You can use alternatives like "unfortunate regarding", "regrettable concerning", or "unsatisfactory in relation to" depending on the context.

How do I use "disappointing about" in a sentence?

Ensure that you clearly state what you find disappointing. For instance, "The results were disappointing about the sales this quarter." It's important to directly link the feeling of disappointment to the specific issue.

What makes "disappointing about" different from "disappointing that"?

"Disappointing about" is typically followed by a noun phrase, whereas "disappointing that" introduces a clause. For example, "It's disappointing about the weather" versus "It's disappointing that the event was cancelled".

Is "disappointing about" suitable for formal writing?

While usable, "disappointing about" can sometimes sound less formal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "unfortunate regarding" or "regrettable concerning" for a more professional tone.