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.

"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

Even if it disappoints some people, it’s the more important message to put out into the world.

From Los Angeles Times

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.