Definition

1. Noun:
   • The feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations: A state of being let down or dissatisfied because something hoped for or expected did not happen.
   • A person, event, or thing that causes such a feeling: The source of the let-down; something that fails to meet expectations.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Feeling):
  • She couldn't hide her disappointment when she didn't get the job.
  • To my great disappointment, the concert was canceled.
• Noun (Cause of the feeling):
  • The movie was a real disappointment; the reviews had been much better.
  • He has been a constant disappointment to his parents.

Advanced Usage

• "to someone's disappointment": Used to indicate that something causes a feeling of disappointment for a specific person.
  • Much to her disappointment, the package had not arrived.
• "a bitter/great/huge disappointment": Common collocations emphasizing the intensity of the feeling.
  • Losing the championship was a bitter disappointment for the team.

Variants and Related Words

• Disappoint (verb): To fail to fulfill the hopes or expectations of someone.
  • I don't want to disappoint you, but I can't come to the party.
• Disappointed (adjective): Sad or displeased because one's hopes or expectations have not been fulfilled.
  • He was deeply disappointed by the result.
• Disappointing (adjective): Failing to fulfill hopes or expectations.
  • The team's performance was disappointing.

Synonyms

• Letdown: A feeling of disappointment when something is not as good as expected.
• Frustration: The feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something.
• Dismay: Consternation and distress, typically that caused by something unexpected.

Antonyms

• Satisfaction: Fulfillment of one's wishes, expectations, or needs.
• Gratification: Pleasure, especially when gained from the satisfaction of a desire.
• Delight: Great pleasure.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A crushing disappointment: An extremely severe or devastating disappointment.
  • The election result was a crushing disappointment for his supporters.
• Disappointment is written all over someone's face: It is very obvious from someone's expression that they are disappointed.
  • When he saw his grade, disappointment was written all over his face.

Noun

1. an act (or failure to act) that disappoints someone
2. a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
   • his hopes were so high he was doomed to disappointment