disappointment

noun

dis·​ap·​point·​ment ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt How to pronounce disappointment (audio)
Synonyms of disappointmentnext
1
: the act or an instance of disappointing : the state or emotion of being disappointed
2
: one that disappoints
he's a disappointment to his parents

Synonyms of disappointment

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Examples of disappointment in a Sentence

She couldn't hide her disappointment. He's a disappointment to his parents.
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.
This year’s midterm offers the first opportunity to express that disappointment with their votes, even if the president isn’t on the ballot himself. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 With the scrum around him on pit road, Christopher Bell couldn’t quite put his disappointment into words. — Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026 Mann later rebooted the project for the 2006 movie Miami Vice, which starred Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, but the resulting film was considered a commercial and critical disappointment at the time. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026 His time in Tampa Bay was considered something of a disappointment. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disappointment

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disappointment was in 1577

Phrases Containing disappointment

Rhymes for disappointment

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Browse Nearby Words

disappointing
disappointment
Disappointment, Cape
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

disappointment

noun
dis·​ap·​point·​ment ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt How to pronounce disappointment (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of disappointing : the state or emotion of being disappointed
2
: one that disappoints
the play was a disappointment
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