it was disappointed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was disappointed" is not correct in standard English.
The correct form would be "it was disappointing" if referring to something that caused disappointment, or "it was disappointed" if referring to a subject that experienced disappointment. Example: "After the game, it was disappointing to see our team lose in the final minutes."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

LU said it was "disappointed" the court ruled against its application.

BBC

InBev said it was disappointed that SAB had so far spurned its approaches without "meaningful engagement".

Independent

The company said it was disappointed, but was now trying to improve its service to customers.

BBC

Barratt Homes said it was disappointed by the recommendation to refuse and was considering its position.

BBC

Monsanto said it was disappointed.

The New York Times

It was disappointed with the results.

The New York Times - Arts

Greenpeace International said it was disappointed.

The Guardian

The Biotechnology Industry Organization by contrast said it was disappointed.

The New York Times

Nestlé said it was "disappointed" with the ruling.

Independent

WellPoint bowed out, saying it was disappointed by the rejection.

The New York Times

RT said it was disappointed with the regulator's rulings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an entity's feeling of disappointment, use "was disappointed" (e.g., "The team was disappointed by the loss"). However, if describing something that causes disappointment, use "was disappointing" (e.g., "The result was disappointing").

Common error

Avoid using "was disappointed" to describe a situation or event that causes disappointment. Instead, use "was disappointing" to ensure the sentence accurately reflects the cause of the feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was disappointed" appears in contexts where disappointment is expressed. As identified by Ludwig AI, standard English suggests the correct phrasing depends on whether it's describing the subject feeling disappointment or the cause of disappointment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was disappointed" is frequently encountered across various news and media outlets. However, Ludwig AI identifies this as grammatically questionable. Standard English dictates that "was disappointed" should describe the subject experiencing the feeling, while "was disappointing" should describe the cause. Therefore, while commonly used, it's essential to ensure grammatical correctness by using "was disappointing" when describing what caused the disappointment. Alternatives like "it felt let down" or "it was discouraged" can offer more precise and grammatically sound expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was disheartened

Suggests a loss of enthusiasm or morale.

it was discouraged

Focuses on the loss of confidence or motivation.

it was dismayed

Conveys a feeling of shock and disappointment.

it felt let down

Emphasizes a sense of betrayal or unmet expectations.

it was saddened

Implies a deeper emotional impact of sorrow or grief.

it was frustrating

Changes the focus from feeling disappointed to experiencing frustration.

it was unsatisfied

Highlights a lack of fulfillment or contentment.

it was regretful

Indicates a sense of sorrow or remorse over the situation.

it was displeased

Indicates a lack of satisfaction or mild annoyance.

it was unfortunate

Shifts the focus to the unlucky or unfavorable nature of the situation.

FAQs

How do I use "it was disappointed" correctly in a sentence?

While not technically correct, the examples usually intend to express that someone or something felt disappointed. To accurately convey this, use "was disappointed" when referring to a subject experiencing the feeling. For example, "The team was disappointed after the game."

What can I say instead of "it was disappointed" to sound more natural?

Consider alternatives such as "it felt let down", "it was discouraged", or "it was dismayed" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "it was disappointed" or "it was disappointing"?

"It was disappointing" is grammatically correct when describing something that causes disappointment. "It was disappointed" is used to describe someone or something feeling disappointment.

Is "it was disappointed" considered formal or informal language?

While found in various sources, "it was disappointed" is generally considered incorrect. Aim for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives in formal writing. Consider phrases like "it was saddened" or "it was displeased" for more formal contexts.