disappointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disappointment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of great dissatisfaction due to unfulfilled expectations or hopes. For example: The team was filled with disappointment when they lost the game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I felt disappointed with my performance then.' Henman feels the disappointment of losing at Wimbledon more keenly than anywhere else.

The Guardian - Sport

Although there was disappointment that neither Mike Leigh's much-fancied Topsy-Turvy, Anthony Minghella's The Talented Mr Ripley, nor Neil Jordan's The End of the Affair made it into the frame for best picture, the Brits did well overall.

The Guardian - Film

4. GNM accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, liabilities, injury or disappointment incurred or suffered by you as a result of entering the Competition or accepting the prize.

The Guardian

However, when a couple breaks up all our matchmakers feel the disappointment.

The Guardian

Along with Dortmund's away goal, there was more disappointment for Juventus as Andrea Pirlo was forced off by an injury in the first half.

The Guardian - Sport

But it doesn't hide the disappointment of the lack of whisky.

The Guardian - Travel

She added: "There is not disappointment in democracy but there is disappointment in the current leadership.

The Guardian

Quite what Bolt did or didn't say during a snatched conversation with a reporter may remain a matter of dispute, but if the Jamaican had thought the games "a bit shit" at one point, by the time he bowed out on Saturday night he was praising the "crazy energy" Glasgow had to offer, with the Scottish weather the only lingering disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

What Cardiff's manager saw when his troops returned to action will have caused further disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

Dimmond asks if it is "that kind of party", to which Hannibal says no, much to his guest's disappointment.

The Guardian

Cruden later revealed that he "made a poor decision regarding the limits of my alcohol intake" and that as a result would forever "carry the burden of shame and disappointment".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "disappointment", be specific about the source of the feeling. Describing what expectations were not met can provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone feels "disappointment" without explaining the underlying cause. Instead of "He felt disappointment", try "He felt disappointment because the project was rejected", which provides context and a stronger narrative.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disappointment" is as a noun. It represents the emotion felt when expectations are not met or the circumstance that causes this feeling. As Ludwig AI states, it's correct and usable in English, often functioning as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disappointment" is a very common noun used to express the feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction when expectations are not met. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts. When writing about "disappointment", it's best to be specific about the cause of the feeling. Alternatives like "letdown", "frustration", and "dismay" can provide different nuances. Remember to avoid simply stating "disappointment" without providing context for a more impactful message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

letdown

Focuses on the act of failing to meet expectations, rather than the emotional response.

frustration

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or hindered from achieving a goal.

dismay

Implies a sudden loss of courage or confidence, often coupled with disappointment.

dashed hopes

Emphasizes the destruction of anticipated positive outcomes.

disillusionment

Suggests a loss of faith or trust in something previously admired.

setback

Focuses on an obstacle or event that delays progress or reverses gains.

unfulfilled expectation

Highlights the unmet anticipation, emphasizing the expectation itself.

bitter pill

Uses a metaphor to describe something unpleasant that must be accepted.

let down

Similar to "letdown", but can also refer to a feeling of betrayal or abandonment.

chagrin

Implies a feeling of embarrassment or annoyance caused by failure or disappointment.

FAQs

How is "disappointment" different from "frustration"?

"Disappointment" arises from unmet expectations or unrealized hopes, whereas "frustration" stems from being blocked or hindered in achieving a goal. You can feel disappointed without feeling frustrated, and vice versa.

What are some less formal ways to express "disappointment"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "bummer", "let down", or "that's a shame" to convey "disappointment" in a more casual way.

Can "disappointment" be used as an adjective?

No, "disappointment" is primarily a noun. To use it adjectivally, you'd typically say "disappointing", as in "a disappointing result".

What are some stronger synonyms for "disappointment"?

For more intense feelings, consider words like "despair", "grief", or "anguish" to convey a deeper sense of "disappointment".