Disappointments Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disappointments

[ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənts ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in life

Unfulfilled hopes or expectations; feelings of sadness, frustration, or dissatisfaction when something does not meet one's expectations.

Synonyms

disillusionment, dismay, frustration, letdown, regret.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disappointments	A general term for situations where expectations are not met, often used in everyday scenarios or to describe someone's feelings. The trip was filled with many disappointments, from bad weather to canceled events. She felt multiple disappointments throughout the day.
letdown	Informally describes a specific event or outcome that fails to meet expectations, often in a casual or social context. The movie was a major letdown after all the hype. Missing the concert was such a letdown.
disillusionment	Used when someone realizes that something is not as good as they believed, often in a more profound or philosophical sense. This word carries a deeper emotional impact. After joining the company, he experienced disillusionment about the corporate world. The book led her to a feeling of disillusionment about love.
frustration	Describes feelings that arise when something is persistently blocking one's goals or desires, often leading to irritation or annoyance. She couldn't hide her frustration when the computer crashed again. His repeated failures in the game led to immense frustration.
dismay	Used to express a strong sense of alarm or concern, often in response to an unexpected and troubling situation. She looked at the broken vase with dismay. The news of the layoffs filled the employees with dismay.
regret	Expresses remorse or sorrow about a past action or event, often used in personal reflections or apologies. She expressed deep regret over her harsh words. He looked back at his missed opportunities with regret.

Examples of usage

I have experienced many disappointments in life.
She couldn't hide her disappointment when she didn't get the promotion.
Disappointments are a natural part of life.
Managing disappointments is important for mental well-being.
The team faced several disappointments throughout the project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feeling disappointed can lead to a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, and even anger.
People often cope with disappointment by reframing the situation or finding new goals.
Research shows that experiencing disappointment can build resilience over time, helping people handle future setbacks better.

Literature

Many classic stories, such as 'Romeo and Juliet', explore themes of disappointment in love and fate.
Authors like Jane Austen and F. Scott Fitzgerald often portrayed social disappointments in their characters' lives, reflecting real societal issues.
In children's literature, themes of disappointment are common, teaching lessons about hope and perseverance.

Pop Culture

Disappointments are a common theme in many films and TV shows, often driving character development and plot twists.
Songs frequently address personal disappointments, resonating with listeners and conveying deep emotions through lyrics.
Comedians often use disappointment humorously to connect with audiences, turning personal letdowns into relatable jokes.

History

Many historical events have been labeled as disappointments due to unmet promises, like the Treaty of Versailles after World War I.
Some failed inventions throughout history became disappointments, like the first prototypes of flying cars that never took off.
The Great Depression was a significant disappointment for many, marking a period of financial struggle and lost dreams for millions.

Education

Teachers often help students navigate disappointments in learning, emphasizing growth and the value of effort.
Educational psychology suggests that understanding and managing disappointment can enhance motivation and learning outcomes.
Group projects in school can lead to feelings of disappointment if teamwork isn’t equal, teaching valuable lessons about collaboration.

Origin of 'disappointments'

The word 'disappointments' derives from the Old French word 'desapointier' meaning 'to undo an appointment' or 'to fail to keep an agreement'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the concept of unmet expectations, leading to feelings of sadness or frustration. The notion of disappointments has been present in human experiences for centuries, reflecting the universal nature of encountering unfulfilled hopes or expectations.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,141, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16138 stewardship
16139 decoding
16140 exhortation
16141 disappointments
16142 giggled
16143 despotic
16144 shire
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