disappointment

noun

ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt How to pronounce disappointment (audio)
Definition of disappointmentnext
1
as in frustration
the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met we felt keen disappointment when our offer on the house was rejected

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in letdown
something that disappoints after all the publicity and high expectations, the sequel to the movie blockbuster was a huge disappointment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of disappointment 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 In the 30 years following the tune’s release, disappointment has only continued to plague the Three Lions. — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 2 July 2026 This period of disappointment coincides with Mbappe’s first two years following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Rather than simply assembling the most talented roster possible, Taylor said JHX is prioritizing players who understand the tournament’s intensity and have experienced the disappointment of coming up short. — Latif Love july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disappointment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disappointment
  1. frustration
  2. letdown
  3. dismay
  4. loser
  5. dissatisfaction
  6. failure
  7. sadness
  8. bummer
Noun
  • This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • But a competitive second half could not offset one costly early-game letdown.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026
  • In a pantheon that the Heat in no way hope next includes Antetokounmpo, there already have been ample letdowns.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2026
Definition of letdown
Noun
  • Colonists down south, especially fierce New England Protestants who took a dim view of Catholicism, viewed this act – and their new fellow imperial subjects – with dismay and considerable suspicion.
    — Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • The decision to wean, much to the dismay of many, can come from either party.
    — Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Definition of dismay
Noun
  • The losers are the automakers still leaving accessories to the dealer, where the margin quietly bleeds away.
    — Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • That is a big risk investors take when trying to find the winners and losers within the biotech sector.
    — Jay Woods, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of loser
Noun
  • The party has focused on driving down consumer costs, seizing on what polling shows is deep dissatisfaction about the economy and worries about affordability.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • The mass demonstrations delayed AfD's vote, prompting Chrupalla to criticize the method in which agitators expressed their dissatisfaction.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of dissatisfaction
Noun
  • According to Castillo, one of the most significant failures has been the tendency to treat many squatter complaints as civil disputes rather than criminal investigations.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of failure
Noun
  • Nonetheless, Simón stirs up the ineffable sadness that comes with wanting answers to the mysteries of your family — and then, like it or not, receiving them.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • There’s a frank sadness to nearly every scene, but also a tenderness and warmth between these two unlikely friends.
    — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
Definition of sadness
Noun
  • Rumors of such a move surfaced a while back … but still a bummer.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 24 June 2026
  • Kara has a backstory, which turns out to be an overinflated CGI bummer.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 June 2026
Definition of bummer

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Cite this Entry

“Disappointment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disappointment. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on disappointment

Nglish: Translation of disappointment for Spanish Speakers

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