Disappointed: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Suitable in formal or objective settings when expressing mild annoyance or dissatisfaction.

• The manager was displeased with the team's performance this quarter