like to disappoint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like to disappoint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a tendency or preference to cause disappointment in someone or something, often in a sarcastic or humorous context. Example: "I don't really like to disappoint my friends, but sometimes I have to say no to their requests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

While parents don't like to disappoint their kids, their kids' outspoken disappointment is a huge annoyance.

Huffington Post

"I don't like to disappoint myself, and I don't like to disappoint JoAnne".

The New York Times

The little master does not like to disappoint them.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't like to disappoint people if I'm supposed to be somewhere.

The New York Times

We don't like to disappoint people, so we tell them what we think they want to hear.

Harvard Business Review

"You never like to disappoint a friend, but that friendship only goes so far," Mr. Kerrey said.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"It's good for Africa, but I would have liked to disappoint them," Howard said.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Orozco likes to disappoint; it is almost a credo of his.

The New York Times - Arts

That limitation is likely to disappoint advocates who would like more affordable access extended to all households.

The New York Times

Where's the baby?' And I'm like, 'You understand, they have to write the baby.' It's not like I can say, 'Oh, I'll go home and start trying.' Like, I'm sorry to disappoint you, it doesn't quite work like that.

Huffington Post

This time around, Mr. McEwen said, he is determined not to disappoint the likes of Mr. Hunt.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like to disappoint" when you want to express a reluctance or aversion to disappointing someone, highlighting the importance of meeting their expectations. For example, "I don't like to disappoint my clients, so I always strive to deliver high-quality work."

Common error

Avoid using "like to disappoint" sarcastically or ironically without clear context. Ensure your audience understands the genuine sentiment behind your statement to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like to disappoint" functions as a verb phrase expressing a disinclination or unwillingness to cause disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable English expression. The examples show its use in expressing a desire to meet expectations and avoid letting others down.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like to disappoint" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express an aversion to causing disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business settings. When writing, it's essential to use the phrase with clear intent to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives include "hate to disappoint" or "reluctant to disappoint", offering slightly different shades of meaning. Overall, "like to disappoint" is a useful phrase for conveying a sense of responsibility and consideration towards others' feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefer to frustrate

Suggests a preference for causing frustration, similar to the original phrase.

tend to frustrate

Focuses on the tendency to cause frustration rather than a desire to disappoint.

delight in frustrating

Highlights the joy taken in frustrating someone.

inclined to dissatisfy

Highlights the inclination towards causing dissatisfaction.

relish frustrating

Focuses on the enjoyment derived from frustrating others.

apt to let down

Emphasizes the likelihood of failing to meet expectations.

eager to displease

Highlights enthusiasm for causing displeasure.

savor frustrating

Emphasizes the pleasure derived from causing frustration, suggesting a more active and intentional approach.

disposed to fail

Indicates a natural tendency towards failure.

keen to vex

Implies an eagerness to annoy or irritate.

FAQs

How can I use "like to disappoint" in a sentence?

You can use "like to disappoint" to express a dislike for letting someone down. For example, "I never "like to disappoint" my team, so I always try to meet deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "like to disappoint"?

Alternatives include "hate to disappoint", "reluctant to disappoint", or "don't want to disappoint", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I like to disappoint"?

While grammatically correct, saying "I like to disappoint" implies a preference for causing disappointment, which is often perceived negatively. Make sure your intent is clear.

What's the difference between "I don't like to disappoint" and "I hate to disappoint"?

"I don't like to disappoint" expresses a general aversion to disappointing someone, while "hate to disappoint" conveys a stronger, more intense dislike for the act of disappointing.