Word family noun disappointment adjective disappointed disappointing verb disappoint adverb disappointingly
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishdisappointmentdis‧ap‧point‧ment /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/ ●●○ noun 1 [uncountable]DISAPPOINTED a feeling of unhappiness because something is not as good as you expected, or has not happened in the way you hoped He could see the disappointment in her eyes.to somebody’s (great) disappointment To Edward’s disappointment, Gina never turned up at the party.disappointment at/with/over etc the managers’ disappointment with the results Several people expressed disappointment at the delay.disappointment that her disappointment that she hadn’t been picked She hid her bitter disappointment.2 [countable]DISAPPOINTED someone or something that is not as good as you hoped or expected The movie was kind of a disappointment.great/bitter disappointment The loss was a bitter disappointment.disappointment to She felt she was a disappointment to her family.disappointment for The team’s performance has been a disappointment for the fans.COLLOCATIONSadjectivesgreat/huge/deep disappointmentThere was great disappointment when we lost the game.bitter disappointment (=feeling disappointed in a very unhappy and upset way)The fans felt bitter disappointment at England's failure to qualify for the finals.verbsexpress disappointmentThe US expressed disappointment at the outcome of the talks.hide your disappointment (also conceal your disappointment formal)She turned away quickly to hide her disappointment.avoid disappointmentWe recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.be doomed to disappointment (=be sure to be disappointed)If you expect too much, you will be doomed to disappointment.share somebody's disappointmentWe all shared her disappointment in failing to get the job.phrasesa sense/feeling of disappointmentFor days he couldn't get over his sense of deep disappointment.a look of disappointmentShe didn't attempt to hide the look of disappointment on her face.a twinge of disappointment (=a small feeling of disappointment)She felt a twinge of disappointment at not getting first prize. Examples from the Corpus
disappointment• The Giants have been a disappointment all season.• Home-baked pizza is often a disappointment because of one simple error: too much sauce.• Julie tried to smile, but her disappointment showed through.• For much of the way he talked about his disappointment, going over the details of his discussions with Gorbachev.• The Kurd made a long noise in his throat which she presumed to indicate disappointment.• The headmistress looked at the envelope in her hand with interested disappointment.• Inevitably, the result is disappointment and loss of confidence by those being served.• I felt a sharp stab of disappointment and was surprised and angry at myself.• The one single disappointment to Stanley during his recovery was his inability to read.• But despite enthusiasm and hard work, disappointment and disillusion are the main reward.bitter disappointment• There is no doubt that the outcome of that long campaign, the Act itself, was a bitter disappointment to working-class radicals.• The news was a bitter disappointment to NASA employees.• This was a bitter disappointment to Oliver, but his new friends were still as kind to him as ever.• Bishop carefully watched as first bitter disappointment and then professional concern chased startled horror from the woman's face.• Even in pure mathematics, he met with one bitter disappointment.• Except, of course, for the bitter disappointment of his day lilies.• Their bitter disappointment with Netanyahu and his government was not primarily political.• At this point he was overcome with bitter disappointment.• To your bitter disappointment your request to go to a meeting in another town is turned down. 7.great/bitter disappointment• It would have been a great disappointment if some one hadn't taken Don's place.• There is no doubt that the outcome of that long campaign, the Act itself, was a bitter disappointment to working-class radicals.• Disposal of the birds would cause great disappointment.• Even in pure mathematics, he met with one bitter disappointment.• Except, of course, for the bitter disappointment of his day lilies.• At this point he was overcome with bitter disappointment.• To your bitter disappointment your request to go to a meeting in another town is turned down. 7. 