disappointing times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disappointing times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to periods or moments that are characterized by disappointment or unmet expectations. Example: "During these disappointing times, it's important to focus on the positives and find ways to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And she's had some disappointing times with her colleagues".

The New York Times

There have, of course, been tough and disappointing times in his career, too.

The Guardian - Music

It's difficult to put my finger on what has changed, except that the core of this team has been through all the disappointing times together, and we've learnt something together.

The Guardian - Sport

We are, though, in disappointing times for technology investors, and the reasons are not exactly clear.

BBC

We will have disappointing times but we know our team is strong.

BBC

"It is disappointing times and it's sad when Newcastle's best players are leaving to go elsewhere".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This is a disappointing time.

The New York Times

It was also a disappointing time.

The New York Times - Books

The New Yorker, October 12, 1940 P. 15 Last week was a disappointing time for dictators.

The New Yorker

It was a second bronze for Britain's Rebecca Adlington in a disappointing time.

The Guardian - Sport

By Ernest LaFrance The New Yorker, October 12, 1940 P. 15 Last week was a disappointing time for dictators.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "disappointing times", ensure that the context clearly indicates the cause or source of the disappointment. Providing specific details will make the phrase more impactful and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "disappointing times" as a vague descriptor. Instead of simply stating that something was a "disappointing time", specify what made it disappointing. This provides clarity and prevents the phrase from becoming a cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disappointing times" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes periods or moments characterized by disappointment. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

16.66%

Wiki

16.66%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8.33%

Encyclopedias

8.33%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disappointing times" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe periods marked by unmet expectations or setbacks. Ludwig AI analysis, indicates it has a neutral register and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to specify the source and nature of the disappointment, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives such as ""unfortunate periods"" or ""challenging phases"" can be used depending on the desired nuance. While not exceedingly common, this phrase effectively communicates negative experiences and is suitable for various communication forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate periods

Replaces 'disappointing' with 'unfortunate', focusing on the negative luck or circumstance.

dismal moments

Substitutes 'disappointing' with 'dismal', emphasizing the gloom and negativity of the experiences.

challenging phases

Replaces 'disappointing' with 'challenging', focusing on the difficulty and demanding nature of the times.

difficult spells

Emphasizes the hardship and adversity experienced during these times.

tough episodes

Focuses on the severity and resilience required to overcome these times.

adverse circumstances

Replaces both 'disappointing' and 'times' with more formal and general terms for negative situations.

unfavorable junctures

A more formal and less common way to describe negative or disadvantageous periods.

underwhelming experiences

Shifts the focus to the subjective feeling of being 'underwhelmed' by events that occurred.

setback eras

A stronger phrase that denotes significant regressions or failures during these periods.

trying circumstances

Similar to adverse circumstances, this implies that times are testing one's abilities or patience.

FAQs

How can I use "disappointing times" in a sentence?

You can use "disappointing times" to describe periods marked by setbacks or unmet expectations. For example, "The company faced "disappointing times" due to the economic recession."

What are some alternatives to "disappointing times"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate periods", "dismal moments", or "challenging phases", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "disappointing times" in formal writing?

While usable, "disappointing times" might be considered somewhat informal for certain academic or business contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "adverse circumstances" or "unfavorable junctures" in such cases.

What's the difference between "disappointing times" and "difficult times"?

"Disappointing times" specifically implies unmet expectations or failures, while "difficult times" refers to periods of hardship or challenge, which may or may not involve disappointment. "Disappointing times" often centers on a specific expectation that was not met.