VocabDictionary

disappointment

/ˌdɪs.əˈpɔɪnt.mənt/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.

Example Sentences:
  • To her great disappointment, the concert was canceled due to bad weather.
  • The team's performance in the final match was a bitter disappointment to their fans.
2.noun

A person or thing that causes feelings of sadness or fails to fulfill hopes.

Example Sentences:
  • The new restaurant turned out to be a complete disappointment.
  • He felt like a disappointment to his parents when he dropped out of college.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “disappointment”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'disappoint', which comes from Old French 'désapointer' (meaning to oust from a post or undo an appointment). The prefix 'dis-' (expressing reversal or negation) is combined with 'appoint' (from Latin 'appunctare', meaning to designate or assign). Over time, the meaning shifted from unseating someone from an office to failing to fulfill their expectations.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of it as 'dis-' (not) + 'appointment' (an arranged meeting or expectation). If your expectations don't show up to the meeting, you feel disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About “disappointment

1. What is the meaning of “disappointment” in English?

In English, disappointment (noun) is defined as: “The feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.”.

2. How do you use “disappointment” in a sentence?

To her great disappointment, the concert was canceled due to bad weather.

3. What are English synonyms of “disappointment”?

Common synonyms include:letdown,disillusionment,frustration,regret

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “disappointment”?

Derived from the verb 'disappoint', which comes from Old French 'désapointer' (meaning to oust from a post or undo an appointment). The prefix 'dis-' (expressing reversal or negation) is combined with 'appoint' (from Latin 'appunctare', meaning to designate or assign). Over time, the meaning shifted from unseating someone from an office to failing to fulfill their expectations.