Definition

Noun: 1. A feeling of disappointment or dissatisfaction that occurs when expectations are not met. It describes the emotional state resulting from something being less good, exciting, or successful than anticipated.

Usage

The word "letdown" is used to describe the emotional experience of disappointment. It is a countable noun and is often preceded by adjectives like "big," "huge," "terrible," or "real." It typically follows verbs such as "be," "feel like," or "prove to be."

Examples

• The movie's ending was a real letdown after such a great build-up.
• After all the hype, the concert proved to be a bit of a letdown.
• She tried not to show her letdown when her plans were canceled.
• Not getting the promotion was a huge professional letdown for him.

Advanced Usage

• "anticlimactic letdown": A disappointment that follows a period of high excitement or tension, making the conclusion seem flat.
  • The final chapter was an anticlimactic letdown.
• Used to describe a specific instance or event that causes disappointment.
  • The product launch was a major letdown for investors.

Variants and Related Words

• Let down (phrasal verb): To fail to support or help someone as they had hoped; to disappoint someone.
  • I felt he really let me down by not keeping his promise.
• Disappointment (noun): A more common synonym for "letdown," though "letdown" often implies a sharper, more specific moment of failed expectation.
• Anticlimax (noun): A disappointing conclusion to a series of exciting events, closely related to one sense of "letdown."

Synonyms

Disappointment, anticlimax, disillusionment, setback, washout (informal).

Antonyms

Success, triumph, satisfaction, fulfillment, delight.

Related Phrases

• A bit of a letdown: A common colloquial expression meaning somewhat disappointing.
  • The museum was nice, but it was a bit of a letdown after the cathedral.
• Suffer a letdown: To experience disappointment.
  • The team suffered a letdown after their championship loss.

Noun

1. a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
   • his hopes were so high he was doomed to disappointment