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.
My only disappointment is the sadly inadequate licorice department. — Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026 What readers are saying The conversation explores the opinion piece's treatment of the topic of death, with many participants expressing disappointment in its brevity and lack of depth. — Oliver Farshi, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2026 Every artistic development, every milestone, every disappointment, every dream and aspiration has a root deep within you. — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026 The baseball team has been a disappointment in each of the past two years, and missed the NCAA Tournament last season. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 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 27 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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