letdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "letdown" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a disappointment, for example: "The team's loss was a huge letdown for their fans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's surely something of a letdown for fans who have invested their time and energy into the current iteration.

The Guardian - Film

"That I did not meet Hilde was not the big letdown but rather the fact that Hilde is still stuck in the 1940s, this is what disappointed me".

The Guardian

Writing in the Sun, Redknapp said: "Here we go again, a few months after a disastrous World Cup: yet another massive letdown for everyone.

The Guardian - Sport

An inventor in Phoenix, Arizona has cobbled together a prototype that is, frankly, a bit of a letdown – it's a mini hovercraft with rubbish stabilisers, but one that suggests the technology could be acceptably refined.

The Guardian - Film

FOR some buyers, this year's Geneva Motor Show, which closes its doors today, came as a distinct letdown.

The Economist

The chief medical problems associated with the puerperium include usually mild, transient depression, resulting from emotional letdown and discomfort associated with puerperal changes; clotting disorders, caused by blood stasis and prevented by an early return to normal activity; bleeding from a retained placenta; and puerperal fever, a major cause of maternal death until the 19th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, letdown effects of deep depression and physical exhaustion may occur after only a single dose of moderate strength wears off.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite the letdown, the skater, 5 feet, 7 inches (1.7 metres) and 148 pounds (67 kgs), had five Olympic medals in her possession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The letdown effect that occurs in such users after the drug has worn off consists of a deep mental depression.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cash Isa letdown It is the time of the year when I start to look at which cash individual savings account (Isa) to put my hard-earned money into.

Independent

But many of the stable's other big guns, as usual, are trained on Cheltenham this weekend - none more menacing than Commercial Flyer, such a letdown after that slick chasing debut down the road at Taunton.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "letdown" to express disappointment when expectations are not met, but consider stronger words like "disaster" or "failure" if the situation warrants a more intense reaction.

Common error

While "letdown" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for phrases like "disappointment" or "setback" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "letdown" is that of a noun. It typically describes an event, result, or experience that causes disappointment because it is not as good as expected. This aligns with Ludwig's definition and usage examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "letdown" functions as a noun expressing disappointment when expectations aren't met. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and very commonly used, with examples appearing frequently in News & Media and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal synonyms like "disappointment" or "setback" in academic or professional contexts. Avoid overusing "letdown" in contexts requiring greater formality and be mindful of the intensity of the situation when choosing a substitute. The goal is to pick the synonym that best conveys the specific nuance of the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappointment

A general term for feeling sad or dissatisfied when something isn't as good as expected.

anticlimax

Refers to a disappointing end after a buildup of excitement.

setback

Implies a temporary impediment or reversal in progress.

disillusionment

Suggests a loss of faith or idealism after a disappointing experience.

deflation

Describes a sudden loss of energy or enthusiasm.

failure

Highlights the lack of success or the inability to achieve a desired outcome.

frustration

Focuses on the feeling of being annoyed and upset because you cannot achieve something.

downer

An informal term for something that makes you feel sad or depressed.

bummer

A very informal term indicating a disappointing or unpleasant situation.

debacle

Signifies a complete failure or fiasco.

FAQs

How can I use "letdown" in a sentence?

You can use "letdown" to describe an event or situation that was disappointing. For example, "The film was a major "letdown" after all the hype".

What are some synonyms for "letdown"?

Alternatives to "letdown" include "disappointment", "setback", or "anticlimax", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "letdown" a formal or informal term?

"Letdown" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for most contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using a more sophisticated synonym such as "disappointment" or "failure".

What's the difference between "letdown" and "disappointment"?

While similar, "letdown" often implies a failure to meet a specific expectation, whereas "disappointment" is a broader term for feeling sadness or dissatisfaction. The specific contexts usually dictates the correct choice.