Disappointed: meaning, definitions and examples

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disappointed

[dɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

feeling sad, unhappy, or displeased because something was not as good as expected

Synonyms

dismayed, let down, upset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disappointed	Used when something does not meet expectations or hopes, often in a mild or neutral emotional context. She was disappointed that her team lost the match. I felt disappointed when the concert got canceled.
upset	Indicates a more emotional and distressing feeling, usually involving being emotionally disturbed or hurt, can be both personal and general. She was very upset after hearing the bad news. He was upset that his plans had to change at the last minute.
let down	Has a slightly more personal context where someone feels personally betrayed or failed by someone they trusted. She felt let down when her friend didn't show up for her birthday party. The team was let down by their leader's poor decision.
dismayed	Implies a stronger, often more sudden feeling of shock or alarm mixed with disappointment. He was dismayed to find out that the project had failed. The community was dismayed by the sudden closure of the local school.

Examples of usage

She was disappointed with the results of the exam.
I was disappointed that he didn't show up to the party.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

result

failed to fulfill the hopes or expectations of

Synonyms

displeased, unfulfilled, unsatisfied.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disappointed	You can use 'disappointed' when someone is feeling let down because their expectations were not met. She was disappointed when her friend canceled their plans
unfulfilled	Best used when talking about deeper, more long-term feelings of unmet potential or lack of satisfaction in life or career. He felt unfulfilled in his job, despite the high salary
unsatisfied	Appropriate for expressing when a product, service, or experience does not meet expectations or is incomplete. The customers were unsatisfied with the quality of the food at the restaurant
displeased	Suitable in formal or objective settings when expressing mild annoyance or dissatisfaction. The manager was displeased with the team's performance this quarter

Examples of usage

The movie was a disappointed flop at the box office.
The team's performance was disappointing.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'desappointer,' which means to 'unappoint' or 'remove from an appointment.'
It combines the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'away,' with 'appoint,' suggesting a failure to meet an expectation.
The term has been in use since the late 14th century, evolving in meaning to capture emotional disappointment.

Psychology

Experiencing disappointment can trigger a stress response in the brain, affecting mood and emotional well-being.
Research shows that managing disappointment is crucial for resilience, helping people adapt better to future setbacks.
Children often learn about disappointment through play and interpersonal relationships, a vital part of emotional development.

Pop Culture

Songs often capture the theme of disappointment, such as 'Tears Dry on Their Own' by Amy Winehouse, articulating the feelings of letdown in relationships.
Movies frequently explore disappointment as a central theme, such as in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,' where characters grapple with their unmet expectations of love.
The popular phrase 'disappointment room' in contemporary culture indicates a space where individuals process feelings of letdown, often used metaphorically.

Literature

Classic literature frequently portrays disappointment as a path to character development, such as in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'The Great Gatsby,' where dreams clash with reality.
In Shakespeare's works, characters often face disappointment, leading to tragic outcomes, reflecting the human condition’s complexities.
Contemporary novels often delve into the nuances of disappointment, capturing characters’ journeys toward acceptance and growth.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have unique responses to disappointment; for instance, in some Asian cultures, maintaining harmony can suppress expressions of upset.
In Western contexts, expressing disappointment is often seen as a sign of authenticity, valued in personal and professional relationships.
Rituals in various cultures may help individuals navigate feelings of disappointment, providing communal support during tough times.

Translations

Translations of the word "disappointed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desapontado

🇮🇳 निराश (niraash)

🇩🇪 enttäuscht

🇮🇩 kecewa

🇺🇦 розчарований

🇵🇱 rozczarowany

🇯🇵 失望した (shitsubou shita)

🇫🇷 déçu

🇪🇸 decepcionado

🇹🇷 hayal kırıklığına uğramış

🇰🇷 실망한 (silmanhan)

🇸🇦 مُخَيَّب الأَمَل (mukhayyab al'amal)

🇨🇿 zklamaný

🇸🇰 sklamaný

🇨🇳 失望的 (shīwàng de)

🇸🇮 razočaran

🇮🇸 vonsvikinn

🇰🇿 көңілі қалған

🇬🇪 გაწბილებული (gats'bilebuli)

🇦🇿 məyus

🇲🇽 decepcionado

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,001 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5998 confronted
5999 basket
6000 negotiated
6001 disappointed
6002 mutually
6003 balls
6004 entertained
...