Word
disappoint
Phoneticsdis·ap·point, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/
UK/dˌɪsɐpˈɔɪnt/
Definitions
01to let someone down
B1 · Intermediate
v. to make someone feel sad because you did not do what you promised or what they expected.
v. to fail to satisfy the expectations or hopes of someone. Transitive; requires a direct object representing the person affected.
“I am sorry to disappoint you, but I cannot come to your party tonight.”
“The young athlete was terrified that a poor performance in the finals would disappoint his parents after their years of financial sacrifice.”
Pitfall
I was disappointed of the movie.
I was disappointed with the movie.
When expressing dissatisfaction with a thing, use 'with' or 'by', not 'of'.
Synonyms
02to fail an expectation
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to not be as good as people hoped or expected.
v. to fail to meet or fulfil a specific hope, expectation, or plan. Often used where the object is an abstract noun like 'hopes' or 'expectations'.
“The new sequel disappointed many fans who had waited years to see it.”
“The quarterly earnings report disappointed market analysts, leading to a sharp decline in the company's share price by noon.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “disappoint” in context.
Verb
01. disappoint his parents
“He worked hard because he was afraid he might disappoint his parents.”
verb + possessive + noun
02. disappoint the audience
“The lead singer was ill, but he performed anyway because he didn't want to disappoint the audience.”
verb + noun
03. fail to disappoint
“The sequel was full of action and failed to disappoint the loyal fans of the series.”
verb + infinitive
04. hate to disappoint
“I hate to disappoint you, but we have already sold out of those tickets.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
05. bitterly disappoint
“The final score will bitterly disappoint the fans who traveled so far to see the game.”
adv + verb
06. disappoint deeply
“His decision to quit the team disappointed his coach deeply.”
verb + adv
07. rarely disappoint
“This restaurant rarely disappoints, as the food is consistently excellent.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“But he felt the dozens who had gathered to witness the eclipse left disappointed not to have got a better view.” “She said fellow members of the class action suit were also disappointed with the result.” “She was “disappointed” when the UK announced it would follow Australia in implementing a ban .” Etymology
From Middle French desapointer (compare French désappointer). The word originally meant to "dispossess of appointed office", and eventually broadened to mean "to frustrate the expectations or desires of" and "defeat the realization or fulfillment of".
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
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