this is disappointing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this is disappointing' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disappointment with a situation or event. For example, "I was hoping to get a better response from the presentation, but this is disappointing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is disappointing".

The New York Times

"But this is disappointing.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, this is disappointing news.

Harvard University

This is disappointing for many.

The Guardian - Opinion

And to perform like this is disappointing".

The New York Times - Sports

THE DEVIL: This is disappointing indeed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Afterwards Godrich said this was disappointing.

The Guardian

This was disappointing to AK.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

While this was disappointing, there was still science to be had!

Huffington Post

WAThis– Teenage Exorcists.

Vice

Although this was disappointing the overall result was encouraging.

Accounts of Chemical Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is disappointing" to directly and clearly express your dissatisfaction or unmet expectations. Ensure the context is clear so the recipient understands what specifically is causing the disappointment.

Common error

While "this is disappointing" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional settings. Consider using more nuanced language to express your disappointment such as "this outcome is less than ideal" or "the results did not meet our expectations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is disappointing" functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective feeling of disappointment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a straightforward way to communicate that expectations have not been met. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is disappointing" is a common and generally acceptable phrase for expressing unmet expectations across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While versatile, it is important to consider the formality of the situation and choose more nuanced alternatives for professional or sensitive communications. As examples from Ludwig demonstrate, "this is disappointing" is often used in news, sports, and scientific reporting to objectively convey a negative outcome or sentiment. For more formal or empathetic communication, consider alternative phrases like "this is regrettable" or "this is unfortunate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is regrettable

Implies a sense of sorrow or remorse over the situation.

this is unfortunate

Indicates bad luck or an undesirable outcome.

this is disheartening

Suggests a loss of enthusiasm or hope.

this is depressing

Conveys a feeling of sadness or gloom.

this is discouraging

Implies a reduction in confidence or motivation.

this is frustrating

Highlights the annoyance and irritation caused by the situation.

this is unacceptable

Emphasizes the inability to tolerate or approve of the situation.

this is not ideal

Underlines the less-than-perfect nature of the situation.

this is a letdown

A more informal way of expressing disappointment.

this is not up to par

Indicates that something does not meet the expected standards.

FAQs

How can I express disappointment more formally?

Instead of "this is disappointing", consider phrases like "this outcome is less than ideal", "the results did not meet our expectations", or "we had hoped for a different outcome" depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "this is disappointing" in casual conversation?

In casual settings, you could say "that's a bummer", "that's too bad", or "that's a shame" instead of "this is disappointing".

How do I soften the blow when saying "this is disappointing"?

To soften the impact, follow up with a constructive suggestion or express continued hope. For example, "This is disappointing, but let's explore alternative solutions." or "This is disappointing, however, I remain optimistic about future opportunities."

When is it not appropriate to say "this is disappointing"?

Avoid using "this is disappointing" when expressing condolences or dealing with sensitive personal matters. In these situations, more empathetic and supportive language is necessary.