how disappointing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how disappointing that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disappointment about a specific situation or event. Example: "How disappointing that the concert was canceled at the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

How disappointing that must be for the Subaru faithful; they thrived on weird.

The New York Times

Tales Of Grimm is an apt name for a Sir Michael Stoute runner, given how disappointing that stable's better horses have been over the past 15 months.

The Guardian - Sport

How disappointing that your editorial has fallen for the popular line that all older people have escaped austerity at the expense of the young (Generation divide: The election campaign shows that Britain is no country for young men or women, 7 March).

The Guardian

I played for England and played for Leicester's second team the week after and I know how disappointing that is".

BBC

I cannot tell you how disappointing that is to hear -- to know that everything we saw happen to Carrie this season was part of an elaborate charade.

Huffington Post

To the Editor: How disappointing that Walter Kirn could not resist adopting the very "tone of genteel condescension" he claims Wood's book exhibits.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

How disappointing to find that learning for the tick box, formulaic syllabuses of AS- and A-levels is a surefire way of killing your love of a subject.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you think of all the staff working so hard and people volunteering to make it a great Olympics, how disappointing tomorrow if that's thrown away".

The Guardian

"Now how disappointing is that?" Of course, the most significant way that Bottley stands out from her colleagues is that millions of people from across the country know who she is.

The Guardian - Tech

How disappointing, then, that her current tour is such an unimaginative yawnfest.

The Guardian - Music

How disappointing, then, that Vallaud-Belkacem's most publicised policy announcement to date has been a pledge to "see prostitution disappear".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how disappointing that", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the disappointment. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid overusing "how disappointing that" in casual contexts. Reserve it for situations where the level of disappointment genuinely warrants the emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how disappointing that" functions as an introductory clause expressing disappointment about a subsequent statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct expression often used to preface a statement of dissatisfaction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how disappointing that" serves as a grammatically correct introductory clause to express disappointment. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English to express disappointment about a specific situation or event. While categorized as having a neutral register, its use is most common in news and media contexts. To diversify expression, alternatives like "it's unfortunate that" or "it's regrettable that" can be employed, depending on the desired nuance. Remember to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in casual scenarios to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a real shame that

This alternative softens the disappointment with an expression of regret.

it's unfortunate that

This alternative highlights the negative consequences or implications of the situation.

it's a pity that

This option expresses a feeling of sorrow or compassion for the situation.

it's regrettable that

This phrase conveys a more formal and subdued sense of disappointment.

it's too bad that

This phrase offers a more casual and conversational way to express disappointment.

it's disheartening that

This phrase emphasizes the discouraging or demoralizing aspect of the situation.

what a letdown that

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being let down or having one's expectations unmet.

it's a crying shame that

This intensifies the disappointment, suggesting a sense of injustice or deep regret.

sadly

A concise way to introduce a statement of disappointment.

much to my dismay

This option highlights personal disappointment or distress.

FAQs

What does "how disappointing that" mean?

The phrase "how disappointing that" expresses a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction about a specific situation or event that did not meet expectations.

What can I say instead of "how disappointing that"?

You can use alternatives like "it's unfortunate that", "it's regrettable that", or "what a letdown that" depending on the context.

How to use "how disappointing that" in a sentence?

You can use "how disappointing that" to express your dissatisfaction with a situation. For example: "How disappointing that the event was canceled at the last minute."

Is "how disappointing that" formal or informal?

"How disappointing that" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to be more common in writing or slightly more formal speech.