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Definitions

disappointment

[dis-uh-point-muhnt] / ˌdɪs əˈpɔɪnt mənt /
NOUN
saddening situation; letdown
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blow defeat disaster failure mistake obstacle setback
STRONG
blunder bummer bust calamity discouragement downer downfall drag dud error fiasco fizzle impasse inefficacy lemon miscalculation mischance misfortune mishap washout
WEAK
bitter pill blind alley bringdown false alarm faux pas flash in the pan old one-two
Antonyms
STRONGEST
achievement attainment blessing good fortune success triumph win
STRONG
accuracy advantage boon correction happiness
WEAK
boost comfort delight encouragement euphoria help miracle pleasure relief satisfaction wonder
NOUN
mental upset; displeasure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adversity blow chagrin defeat discontent disenchantment disillusionment dissatisfaction failure frustration letdown regret setback
STRONG
bafflement despondency discouragement disgruntlement disillusion distress mortification
WEAK
adverse fate lack of success nonsuccess the knocks unfulfillment
Antonyms
STRONGEST
achievement aid attainment blessing boon contentedness encouragement happiness help pleasure satisfaction success triumph win
WEAK
boost comfort delight euphoria miracle relief wonder

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.

Michael Tilson Thomas left his hometown of L.A. in disappointment 15 years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

But this time, after the principal players were no-shows, disappointment has set in and businesses are counting their losses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

That is the ultimate disappointment when you feel you are letting people down who come here and support us.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

While acknowleding the possibility of mild investor disappointment versus the run-up in expectations, he still fancies estimates to be raised over the next few quarters.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

To do so would only make her disappointment that much worse when, day after day, the longed-for guests failed and failed and failed yet again to arrive.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing disappointment

Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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"Pass It On," "If There Be Pain," and "Sonnet 30"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Orphan Train

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!