Disappoint Definition & Meaning

American

British

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms disappoint American [dis-uh-point] / ˌdɪs əˈpɔɪnt /

verb (used with object)

1. to fail to fulfill the expectations or wishes of.

   His gross ingratitude disappointed us.

   Synonyms: disenchant, dishearten, disillusion, sadden

2. to defeat the fulfillment of (hopes, plans, etc.); thwart; frustrate.

   to be disappointed in love.

verb (used without object)

1. to bring or cause disappointment.

disappoint British / ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt /

verb

1. to fail to meet the expectations, hopes, desires, or standards of; let down

2. to prevent the fulfilment of (a plan, intention, etc); frustrate; thwart

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

• disappointer noun

Etymology

Origin of disappoint

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Middle French word desappointer. See dis- 1, appoint

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Curtis, who has also won a Scottish National, had worked wonders to get Haiti Couleurs back to form after a disappointing performance last month when he failed to finish.

From Barron's

"Obviously to lose the series is very disappointing but it was really important we showed a lot of character for the rest of the series."

From Barron's

"Obviously to lose a series is always very disappointing, but I think it was really important that we showed a lot of character in the rest of the series," he said.

From Barron's

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe headed back to the north-east of England reflecting on yet another disappointing away performance.

From BBC

“Anyone who thought winter was over in mid-December will be sorely disappointed.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• baffle
• deceive
• disconcert
• disenchant
• dishearten
• disillusion
• dissatisfy
• dumbfound
• fail
• hamper
• mislead

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.