Word
disappointing
Definition
adj. used to describe something that is not as good as you wanted or expected it to be.
adj. failing to fulfil expectations, hopes, or desires. This is the primary adjectival use of the word.
Examples
“The movie was very disappointing after all the good reviews.”
“The team's performance in the final match was disappointing, as they failed to score a single goal.”
“Despite the high expectations surrounding the product launch, the initial sales figures were disappointing, forcing the board to reconsider their marketing strategy for the next quarter.”
Examples
simple
“The movie was very disappointing after all the good reviews.”
contextual
“The team's performance in the final match was disappointing, as they failed to score a single goal.”
complex
“Despite the high expectations surrounding the product launch, the initial sales figures were disappointing, forcing the board to reconsider their marketing strategy for the next quarter.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “disappointing” in context.
Verb
01. find the film disappointing
“Most critics found the film disappointing despite the famous cast.”
verb + noun + adj
02. prove disappointing
“The new software proved disappointing because it was full of bugs.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. disappointing news
“We received some disappointing news about the project funding today.”
adj + noun
04. disappointing performance
“The actor gave a disappointing performance in his latest movie.”
adj + noun
05. disappointing results
“The company reported disappointing results for the third quarter.”
adj + noun
Adverb
06. bitterly disappointing
“It was a bitterly disappointing end to a very successful season.”
adv + adj
07. deeply disappointing
“The final score was deeply disappointing for the fans who traveled so far.”
adv + adj
08. somewhat disappointing
“The hotel room was somewhat disappointing, as it was much smaller than the photos.”
adv + adj
Usage
Usually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.
Pitfall
I am very disappointing with my exam results.
I am very disappointed with my exam results.
Use 'disappointing' for the thing that causes the feeling (the results) and 'disappointed' for the person who has the feeling (you).
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/disappointing
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0