B1adjective2K

Disappointing

UK /["/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/"]/

Definition

not as good, successful, etc. as you had hoped; making you feel disappointed

In simple words: not meeting expectations; causing sadness or letdown

Examples

  • a disappointing result/performance/defeat
  • The team has had a disappointing start to the season.
  • The outcome of the court case was disappointing for the family involved.
  • The choices made on election day will always be disappointing to a significant number of voters.
  • We did a good job but it's still disappointing to only finish second.
  • The film was terribly disappointing.
  • This was very disappointing for all the fans watching the game.
  • They gave a very disappointing performance.

Usage notes

Use 'disappointing' to describe experiences, events, or performances that did not fulfill expectations. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid using it in overly casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

disappointing + subject

Memory hint

Think 'this is a point that disappoints me' - focus on the 'point' of letdown.

Collocations

  • be
  • prove
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • for
  • to

Synonyms

  • dismaying
  • unsatisfactory
  • discouraging
  • frustrating
  • letdown

Antonyms

  • satisfying
  • pleasing
  • fulfilling

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'disappoint' which is a verb
  • Using with nouns that are not directly related to disappointment
  • Overusing in positive contexts