B1adjective1K

Disappointed

UK /["/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/"]/US /["/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/"]/

Definition

upset because something you hoped for has not happened or been as good, successful, etc. as you expected

In simple words: Feeling sad because something was not what you expected.

Examples

  • I was disappointed when I found out the concert was canceled.
  • She felt disappointed after not getting the job she applied for.
  • The team was disappointed with their performance in the tournament.
  • He was disappointed to learn that his favorite show was ending.
  • After watching the movie, I felt disappointed because it didn’t live up to the reviews.
  • The child was disappointed when he didn't receive the toy he wanted for his birthday.
  • Many fans are disappointed by the announcement of the delay in the game release.

Usage notes

Use 'disappointed' when expressing feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction about an outcome. Appropriate in most contexts, but can be more formal in written communication.

Grammar pattern

be + disappointed

Memory hint

Think of 'disappoint' as 'missing a point' — imagine a dart missing the target.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • at
  • by

Synonyms

  • let down
  • frustrated
  • dismayed
  • upset
  • disheartened

Antonyms

  • satisfied
  • pleased
  • happy

Common mistakes

  • Using 'disappointing' instead of 'disappointed' to describe feelings.
  • Confusing 'disappointed' with 'disappointment', which is the noun form.
  • Saying 'disappointed at' when the correct preposition is 'by'.