great disappointment

USAGE SUMMARY

'great disappointment' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express great disappointment when something fails to meet one's expectations. For example, "The exam results were a great disappointment to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's great disappointment.

The New Yorker

So there's great disappointment.

The New Yorker

This time, I felt no great disappointment.

The New Yorker

So I'm a great disappointment to them.

University of California, Berkeley

And yes, it's a great disappointment.

The New York Times - Sports

This was always a great disappointment.

The New Yorker

The Kirklee was a great disappointment.

The New York Times - Travel

To Toyah's great disappointment, he never did.

The Guardian

It was, of course, a great disappointment to him.

Princeton University

"Poland is a country of endless Carnival and great disappointment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Speer later said, "Eva Braun will prove a great disappointment to historians".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great disappointment" to express a strong feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction when expectations are not met. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "great disappointment" is widely applicable, avoid overuse in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "bummer" or "letdown" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great disappointment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples demonstrating its role in expressing a significant level of dissatisfaction. For instance, "It was, of course, a great disappointment to him."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great disappointment" effectively conveys a strong feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction when expectations are unmet. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While versatile, it is best to consider the setting; in very informal situations, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. When aiming to express a significant level of dissatisfaction, "great disappointment" remains a reliable and widely understood choice. The expert rating reflects its correctness, source authority, and consistent usage, further solidifying its place in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound letdown

Highlights the feeling of being significantly let down.

deep disillusionment

Emphasizes the loss of faith or idealism.

intense dissatisfaction

Focuses on the feeling of not being pleased or content.

bitter regret

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow and remorse.

severe frustration

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

crushing setback

Emphasizes the hindering effect of the disappointment.

heartbreaking failure

Highlights the emotional pain associated with the disappointment.

major upset

Emphasizes the unexpected and negative nature of the event.

grievous blow

Emphasizes the damaging impact of the disappointment.

tremendous chagrin

Focuses on the feeling of embarrassment and annoyance.

FAQs

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

You can use "great disappointment" to express a strong feeling of sadness when something does not meet your expectations. For example, "The cancellation of the event was a "great disappointment" to all the attendees".

What are some alternatives to saying "great disappointment"?

Alternatives include "deep disillusionment", "profound letdown", or "bitter regret", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a great disappointment" or "great disappointment"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a great disappointment" is used when referring to a specific instance, while "great disappointment" can be used more generally as a concept or feeling.

What's the difference between "great disappointment" and "slight disappointment"?

"Great disappointment" indicates a significant level of sadness or dissatisfaction, while "slight disappointment" implies a minor or less impactful feeling of dissatisfaction.