# letdown

/ˈɫɛtˌdaʊn/ (US) · /lˈɛtdaʊn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/letdown
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

something that disappoints you because it is not as good as you hoped.

For teachers: a disappointment or anticlimax; something that fails to meet expectations.

## Examples

- The rainy picnic is a real letdown for the kids.
- After waiting months for the new phone, he finds the battery life a major letdown.
- The much-hyped sequel proves a quiet letdown, trading the original's sharp wit for predictable twists that leave even loyal fans feeling flat.

## Synonyms

disappointment, anticlimax

## Antonyms

success

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.