disappoint

verb

dis·​ap·​point ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint How to pronounce disappoint (audio)
disappointed; disappointing; disappoints
Synonyms of disappointnext

transitive verb

: to fail to meet the expectation or hope of : frustrate
The team disappointed its fans.
He disappointed his parents with his decision.

intransitive verb

: to fail to meet a hope or expectation : to cause disappointment
… where the show disappoints most is in the work of the younger generation.—John Ashbery

Synonyms of disappoint

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Examples of disappoint in a Sentence

The team disappointed its fans. The show may disappoint some viewers. The novel disappoints by being predictable and overly long.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whether the organization and its fans feel the same way is another matter after Chisholm and Grisham disappointed in 2026. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026 But the audience’s choices for this week’s challenges disappointed me differently. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 The interiors do not disappoint—the fitting room opens with a bubblegum-pink velvet sofa and matching walls, the long display table in the main room is outfitted with design books and flowers, and there is vintage furniture everywhere. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 You certainly won't be disappointed with this laptop, so don't miss out on this $200 discount. — Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disappoint

Word History

Etymology

Middle English disapointen to dispossess, from Middle French desapointer, from des- dis- + appointer to arrange — more at appoint

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of disappoint was circa 1513

Rhymes for disappoint

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Browse Nearby Words

disappear/vanish into thin air
disappoint
disappointed
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Cite this Entry

“Disappoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disappoint. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disappoint

verb
dis·​ap·​point ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint How to pronounce disappoint (audio)
: to fail to meet the expectation or hope of
the team disappointed its fans
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