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 season has to be a big disappointment for both teams, but there is still time to turn it around. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 The movie was a box office disappointment, only grossing $14 million. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 2 July 2026 The crowd was filled with Knicks fans, many of whom bought tickets from 76ers’ supporters who were accustomed to postseason disappointment. — Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The casual whatever happens, happens turned into disappointment month after month. — Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 1 July 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on disappointment

Nglish: Translation of disappointment for Spanish Speakers

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