Disappointingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disappointingly

[หŒdษชsษ™หˆpษ”ษชntษชล‹li ]

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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'disappointingly'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'disappointingly' is derived from the verb 'disappoint', which originated from the Old French word 'desapointier', meaning 'to undo an appointment' or 'to fail to keep an appointment'. Over time, the meaning evolved to convey a sense of failing to meet expectations or hopes. The adverb form 'disappointingly' adds the element of manner or degree to the verb, emphasizing the extent to which something falls short of expectations.


See also: disappointing, disappointment.

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.