Disappoint Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ž
Add to dictionary

disappoint

[หŒdษชs.ษ™หˆpษ”ษชnt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

feeling

To fail to meet the expectations or hopes of someone. To make someone feel sad or dissatisfied because something is not as good as they had hoped.

Synonyms

dissatisfy, fail, let down.

Examples of usage

  • I was disappointed by the lack of support from my friends.
  • The team's performance in the match was disappointing.
Context #2 | Noun

feeling

A feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction when something is not as good as expected.

Synonyms

dissatisfaction, letdown, sadness.

Examples of usage

  • I couldn't hide my disappointment when I didn't get the promotion.
  • Her disappointment was evident when her birthday party was canceled.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Disappointment is closely related to expectations; when our hopes are not met, we feel let down.
  • Studies show that managing our expectations can help reduce feelings of disappointment.
  • Experiencing disappointment can lead to growth and resilience, teaching us how to cope with future letdowns.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous songs and movies explore themes of disappointment, often highlighting the emotional journey attached to unfulfilled dreams.
  • In literature, characters often face disappointing moments that lead to personal growth or significant plot developments.
  • Popular phrases, like 'disappointed but not surprised', reflect a common human experience through various media outlets.

Social Behavior

  • Disappointment can significantly affect relationships; poor communication about expectations can lead to misunderstandings.
  • People often feel disappointment more intensely when the stakes are higherโ€”like with life-changing events.
  • Sharing feelings of disappointment with others can foster empathy and stronger connections.

Education

  • In educational settings, students might feel disappointment if they donโ€™t achieve their desired grades or recognition.
  • Teachers often help students navigate disappointment by emphasizing resilience and the value of effort over outcome.
  • Understanding disappointment can be crucial in teaching emotional intelligence and coping strategies.

Origin of 'disappoint'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'disappointare', which means to 'unappoint' or 'fail to fulfill'.
  • It was first used in English during the late 14th century, primarily in a legal context.
  • Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to encompass emotional letdowns beyond just failing to meet expectations.

The word 'disappoint' originated from the Middle English word 'disappointen', which means to frustrate or to deceive. The prefix 'dis-' implies negation or reversal, while 'appoint' comes from the Latin 'appointare' meaning to prepare or to arrange. Over time, 'disappoint' evolved to its current usage in the English language, capturing the essence of unmet expectations or letdowns.


See also: appoint, appointable, appointed, appointee, appointment, disappointed.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,551, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.