Disappointingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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disappointingly

 

[ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe something that causes disappointment

In a way that does not meet one's expectations or hopes, often leading to feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction.

Synonyms

regrettably, sadly, unfortunately.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disappointingly

This word is best used when something fails to meet expectations or hopes, often implying a sense of mild frustration or letdown.

  • Disappointingly, the movie did not live up to the hype
  • The team lost the match, disappointingly
unfortunately

This word fits well when explaining that something unfavorable or unlucky has happened, with a general sense of misfortune rather than personal regret or sadness.

  • Unfortunately, the weather was terrible for the entire trip
  • Unfortunately, the package arrived damaged
regrettably

This term is ideal for situations where there is a significant sense of regret or remorse about an outcome, often implying a sense of responsibility or acknowledgement of a mistake.

  • Regrettably, we have to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances
  • Regrettably, he made the wrong decision
sadly

Use this word when expressing sorrow or sadness about a situation, often to evoke empathy or convey personal sorrow.

  • Sadly, many people lost their jobs during the pandemic
  • Sadly, the old tree in the park was cut down

Examples of usage

  • She performed disappointingly in the final exam.
  • The movie was disappointingly predictable.
  • The team's performance was disappointingly lackluster.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'disappointingly' combines 'disappoint' with the suffix '-ingly', which turns the verb into an adverb.
  • The root 'disappoint' comes from the Old French 'desappointer', meaning 'to remove from appointment or expectation'.
  • The original meaning evolved from the concept of not meeting set expectations or failing to fulfill a role.

Psychology

  • Experiencing disappointment can trigger feelings of sadness and frustration, affecting mood and motivation.
  • Coping strategies for disappointment often involve reframing the situation positively or finding lessons in the experience.
  • Disappointment is a common emotional response that can lead to personal growth when individuals learn from setbacks.

Literature

  • In many classic tales, disappointment serves as a critical turning point, driving characters towards growth or change.
  • Authors often blend disappointment into character arcs to evoke empathy and deepen emotional connections with readers.
  • Poets frequently express feelings of disappointment, exploring themes of lost love or unmet dreams to resonate with human experiences.

Pop Culture

  • Songs about disappointment often top charts, with artists using emotional lyrics to connect with listeners.
  • Movies frequently depict disappointment as a central theme, illustrating characters' struggles with unmet expectations.
  • Comedians often use humor to address disappointing life events, turning potential sadness into laughter.

Communication

  • Disappointment can be communicated through body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions, revealing feelings without words.
  • In conversation, sharing disappointment can foster deeper connections, as others may provide empathy and support.
  • Acknowledging disappointment when it occurs is vital for emotional health, as it validates personal feelings and encourages open dialogue.

Translations

Translations of the word "disappointingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decepcionantemente

🇮🇳 निराशाजनक ढंग से

🇩🇪 enttäuschend

🇮🇩 dengan mengecewakan

🇺🇦 розчаровуючи

🇵🇱 rozczarowująco

🇯🇵 失望させるように

🇫🇷 de manière décevante

🇪🇸 decepcionantemente

🇹🇷 hayal kırıklığına uğratacak şekilde

🇰🇷 실망스럽게도

🇸🇦 بشكل مخيب للآمال

🇨🇿 zklamaně

🇸🇰 sklamane

🇨🇳 令人失望地

🇸🇮 razočarano

🇮🇸 vonbrigðum

🇰🇿 көңілсіздікпен

🇬🇪 იმედგაცრუებით

🇦🇿 məyus edici şəkildə

🇲🇽 decepcionantemente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,104 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.