express disappointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express disappointment" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of communicating one's feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction. Example: "The CEO's decision to downsize the company has caused a lot of employees to express disappointment in the direction of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though evening-length productions sell tickets, aficionados and critics regularly express disappointment.

The New York Times - Arts

But many of her activists took to social media to express disappointment at her choice.

The Economist

It is painful to hear Bruce Jacob express disappointment at today's courtroom inadequacies.

The New York Times - Magazine

They express disappointment but little surprise because, they say, they never had high hopes.

The New York Times

After the match Roy Hodgson had to diplomatically express disappointment at his own supporters.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I can only express disappointment," said Travis Engen, Alcan's chief executive.

The New York Times

Some speakers even allowed themselves to express disappointment in Donald Trump.

The New Yorker

While the Palestinians cheered the move, Israel summoned Sweden's ambassador to protest and express disappointment.

The Guardian

Still, don't be surprised if liberal groups also express disappointment over a Kagan nomination (which might be politically useful).

The Economist

Mr. Leahy went on to express disappointment that his committee will have no immigration overhaul to consider this month.

The New York Times

6. (S) The Israelis often express disappointment with EU-3 efforts, but see no real alternative at this time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express disappointment", be specific about the cause of the disappointment to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying 'They expressed disappointment', specify 'They expressed disappointment with the new policy'.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone "express disappointment" without clarifying the source or reason for their feelings. This can leave the audience confused or misinterpret the situation. Instead, always provide context to make the expression meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express disappointment" functions as a verb phrase where "express" is the verb and "disappointment" is the noun acting as the direct object. It's used to describe the act of conveying feelings of dissatisfaction or sadness, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express disappointment" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to communicate feelings of dissatisfaction or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears across various contexts, including news media, scientific publications, and formal business communications. When using this phrase, clarity is key; providing specific details about the source of disappointment enhances understanding. While alternative phrases like ""voice dissatisfaction"" or ""convey displeasure"" exist, "express disappointment" remains a direct and widely understood way to convey these emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show dissatisfaction

Indicates a demonstration of unhappiness, which could be verbal or non-verbal.

voice dissatisfaction

Similar in conveying discontent, but emphasizes the act of speaking out about it.

convey displeasure

A more formal way to indicate unhappiness or disapproval.

register discontent

Implies a more formal or official expression of dissatisfaction.

reveal frustration

Focuses on the emotion of being frustrated rather than simply disappointed.

air grievances

Focuses on expressing complaints or reasons for being unhappy.

vent frustration

Suggests a more forceful and emotional expression of pent-up frustration.

lament the outcome

Focuses on sorrow and regret about a specific result or consequence.

deplore the situation

Expresses strong disapproval and regret about a particular situation.

object to the decision

Specifically conveys opposition or disapproval of a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "express disappointment" in a sentence?

You can use "express disappointment" to describe someone communicating their dissatisfaction, such as, "The fans "voice dissatisfaction" with the team's performance this season" or "The manager "convey displeasure" about the project's delays".

What are some alternatives to "express disappointment"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""voice dissatisfaction"", ""convey displeasure"", or "reveal frustration" as alternatives to "express disappointment".

Is it better to "express disappointment" or "show disappointment"?

While both are correct, "express disappointment" typically implies a verbal or explicit communication of dissatisfaction, whereas "show dissatisfaction" can include non-verbal cues or actions.

What's the difference between "express disappointment" and "register discontent"?

"Express disappointment" is a general way to describe communicating one's dissatisfaction. "Register discontent", on the other hand, suggests a more formal or official way of expressing unhappiness, often through established channels or procedures.