disappointing to observe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disappointing to observe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of disappointment regarding something that has been witnessed or noted. Example: "It is disappointing to observe the lack of progress in the project despite our efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While seeing the manatees was certainly one of the highlights of my trip, it was disappointing to observe the infant in such a poor state of health.

Huffington Post

It is disappointing to observe that less than one third of the patients felt that justice had been done through the complaints handling process.

BMC Health Services Research

It was disappointing to observe no significant lifestyle improvements, given that reductions in smoking and alcohol use, and an increase in physical activity were observed by Smith et al. [ 21].

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was disappointing to watch.

The New York Times

My plan was to observe and experience, without needing to categorize events or people into pleasant or unpleasant, satisfactory or disappointing.

Huffington Post

MPs like to observe and be observed.

The Guardian

To observe it.

The Guardian

Park to observe elephants.

The New Yorker

To observe, not join.

The Guardian

"I like to observe".

The Guardian - Film

Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the disappointing results observed to date with mTOR inhibitors.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disappointing to observe", ensure that the subject of your observation is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "It was disappointing to observe the decline in student engagement."

Common error

Avoid using "disappointing to observe" in situations where more direct emotional language might be more impactful. Overusing the phrase can dilute its effect, especially in deeply personal or sensitive situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disappointing to observe" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a negative judgment about something that has been witnessed. It serves to express disappointment regarding a particular situation or trend, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disappointing to observe" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey feelings of dissatisfaction regarding witnessed events. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides context. While not frequently used, it appears in news and scientific publications. Semantically related alternatives include "regrettable to observe" or "sad to observe". When using "disappointing to observe", make sure that you are clear about what is causing the disappointment. However, avoid using it excessively in scenarios that require more direct emotional language. Overall, it serves as a useful and accurate way to express subjective evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Regrettable to observe

Replaces "disappointing" with "regrettable", indicating a sense of sorrow or remorse about what is being observed.

Distressing to observe

Substitutes "disappointing" with "distressing", emphasizing the upsetting or troubling nature of the observation.

Sad to observe

Uses "sad" instead of "disappointing", highlighting the feeling of sorrow associated with the observation.

Discouraging to observe

Replaces "disappointing" with "discouraging", suggesting that the observation reduces enthusiasm or confidence.

Depressing to observe

Substitutes "disappointing" with "depressing", conveying a stronger sense of sadness or gloom due to the observation.

Unfortunate to witness

Replaces "disappointing to observe" with a phrase that emphasizes the act of witnessing something negative.

Regrettable to witness

Similar to "unfortunate to witness", but uses "regrettable" to express sorrow about the event.

Disheartening to see

Uses "disheartening" and "to see" to describe the observation.

Saddening to see

Replaces 'observe' with 'see', focusing on the visual aspect and emotional impact.

Lamentable to note

Swaps 'disappointing' for 'lamentable' and 'observe' for 'note', adding a more formal tone.

FAQs

What does "disappointing to observe" mean?

It means that something you have seen or noticed has caused you to feel disappointed. It indicates a feeling of dissatisfaction regarding a specific situation or trend.

Are there synonyms for "disappointing to observe"?

Yes, alternatives include "regrettable to observe", "distressing to observe", or "sad to observe". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "disappointing to observe"?

Yes, "disappointing to observe" is grammatically sound. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe a feeling of disappointment about something that has been witnessed.

How can I use "disappointing to observe" in a sentence?

You can use it to express your disappointment about something you have noticed. For example: "It was disappointing to observe the low turnout at the community meeting" or "It is disappointing to observe the increasing levels of pollution in the city".