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Disappointed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disappointed

[dษชsษ™หˆpษ”ษชntษชd ]

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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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 Fitzgeraldโ€™s 'The Great Gatsby,' where dreams clash with reality.
  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often face disappointment, leading to tragic outcomes, reflecting the human conditionโ€™s complexities.
  • Contemporary novels often delve into the nuances of disappointment, capturing charactersโ€™ 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.

Origin of 'disappointed'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'disappointed' originated in the mid-15th century, derived from the Old French word 'desapointier', meaning 'to undo the appointment'. The prefix 'dis-' implies reversal, while 'appoint' refers to a previously made arrangement or agreement. Over time, 'disappointed' evolved to convey a sense of sadness or dissatisfaction due to unmet expectations or outcomes.

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

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.