expression of disappointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expression of disappointment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when conveying feelings of dissatisfaction or sadness regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "Her expression of disappointment was evident when she learned that the event had been canceled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Not full-throated, angry dissent, just a low-level expression of disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

But it was decidedly neutral and made no explicit expression of disappointment.

The New York Times

But his decidedly neutral comment made no explicit expression of disappointment.

The New York Times

Sounds like the expression of disappointment someone going to a picnic makes when the weather changes".

The New York Times

After victories, Kaidanov can be spotted slowly pacing the gym with an expression of disappointment on his face.

The New York Times

There were no angry shouts or inflammatory signs from the crowd, just a mild expression of disappointment with what has become familiar over the last two years.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In his remarks, Mr. Moonves directed some of his sharpest expressions of disappointment at Ms. Mapes.

The New York Times

Romney and Congressional leaders such as John Boehner and Mitch McConnell were careful to avoid expressions of disappointment in the wake of the ruling.

The Guardian

His other techniques are more effective: arguments – sometimes quite cross ones – negotiations, eye rolls, rewards, expressions of disappointment and exasperation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The picture gets murkier, though, when that same advertisement prompts high-minded expressions of disappointment from the politician's own supporters.

The New York Times

Secretary Powell said of the new approach, "It really captured not only our disappointment with the current leadership, but expressions of disappointment and regret we've heard from Arab leaders, as well as within the Palestinian community".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, specify the type of expression using adjectives like 'subtle expression', 'overt expression' or 'public expression'.

Common error

Avoid using "expression of disappointment" without clearly stating the source or cause of the disappointment. This can leave the reader confused and the statement lacking impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression of disappointment" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it describes a visible or communicated indication of feeling let down. The phrase serves to name or identify the action or state of revealing disappointment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expression of disappointment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively conveys feelings of dissatisfaction or regret. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is often employed in news and media to describe reactions to various events. For greater clarity, it's best to specify the cause of the disappointment and the nature of the expression. While several alternatives exist, such as "demonstration of dissatisfaction", the choice depends on the desired emphasis and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstration of dissatisfaction

Changes the focus from an internal feeling to an outward display.

indication of letdown

Replaces "disappointment" with a more informal synonym and "expression" with a less formal one.

manifestation of displeasure

Emphasizes the outward display of negative feelings.

sign of disillusionment

Shifts the focus to a deeper sense of disappointment, implying a loss of faith or trust.

air of dissatisfaction

Suggests a subtle or pervasive feeling of disappointment.

feeling of frustration

Focuses on the emotional response of being blocked or hindered.

sense of regret

Highlights the sorrow or remorse associated with a past event or decision.

tone of dissatisfaction

Highlights the way something is communicated.

display of discontent

Highlights a broader range of negative feelings and is more generic.

hint of sadness

Focuses on the emotion of sadness as a component of disappointment.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "expression of disappointment" in a sentence?

To effectively use "expression of disappointment", clearly state the cause of the disappointment and consider adding descriptive adjectives to specify the type of expression, such as "subtle" or "overt".

What are some alternatives to "expression of disappointment"?

You can use alternatives like "demonstration of dissatisfaction", "indication of letdown", or "manifestation of displeasure" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "express of disappointment" instead of "expression of disappointment"?

No, "express of disappointment" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "expression of disappointment", where "expression" is a noun.

What is the difference between "expression of disappointment" and "feeling of disappointment"?

"Expression of disappointment" refers to the outward manifestation of the emotion, while "feeling of disappointment" refers to the internal emotion itself. You show an "expression of disappointment", but you have a "feeling of disappointment".