disappointment

¹ American  

[dis-uh-point-muhnt] / ˌdɪs əˈpɔɪnt mənt /

noun

1. the act or fact of disappointing.

   All of his efforts only led to the disappointment of his supporters.

   Synonyms:

   frustration, defeat, failure

2. the state or feeling of being disappointed.

   Her disappointment was very great when she didn't get the job.

3. a person or thing that disappoints.

   The play was a disappointment.

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Disappointment ² American  

[dis-uh-point-muhnt] / ˌdɪs əˈpɔɪnt mənt /

noun

1. Cape Disappointment, a cape in southwestern Washington State, projecting into the Pacific Ocean on the north of the mouth of the Columbia River.

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disappointment British  

/ ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt /

noun

1. the act of disappointing or the state of being disappointed

2. a person, thing, or state of affairs that disappoints

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Other Word Forms

• predisappointment noun

Etymology

Origin of disappointment

First recorded in 1605–15; disappoint + -ment

Example Sentences

The latest trial disappointment, taken together with persistent commercial uncertainty, “does little to calm long-term investor nerves,” analysts wrote.

From Barron's

I talked to George a little bit about Egg and his motivations early on, and George said kids feel disappointment more acutely and that that is a huge part of it.

From Los Angeles Times

Barrett said losing both players in quick succession was a major blow and he felt disappointment for Cameron, who spent much of last season recuperating from a serious knee injury to his other leg.

From Barron's

Several expressed disappointment in the execution of a project they considered both worthy and necessary.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is no question as to the prize for biggest disappointment so far this year.

From BBC

Related Words

• adversity
• blow
• chagrin
• defeat
• discontent
• disenchantment
• disillusionment
• dissatisfaction
• failure
• frustration
• letdown
• regret
• setback