disappointing
disappointing
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "disappointing" is /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
dis-: /dɪs/
ap-: /ə/
point-: /pɔɪnt/
ing: /ɪŋ/
Word Form Variations
Verb (base form): Disappoint
Verb (third person singular present): Disappoints
Verb (past tense): Disappointed
Verb (present participle): Disappointing
Verb (past participle): Disappointed
Adjective: Disappointing
Noun (derived from verb): Disappointment
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Causing a feeling of sadness, frustration, or unfulfillment because expectations or hopes have not been met.
Synonyms: disheartening, discouraging, unsatisfactory, letdown (informal), subpar
Antonyms: satisfying, gratifying, fulfilling, encouraging, impressive
Definition 2: Of a quality or performance that is lower than anticipated or desired.
Synonyms: inadequate, poor, mediocre, substandard, uninspiring
Antonyms: excellent, outstanding, superior, impressive, admirable
Examples of Use
Book: "The ending of the novel was ultimately a disappointing resolution to an otherwise captivating plot, leaving many readers wishing for more closure." (From a literary review in a book club forum, October 2023)
Newspaper: "Economists described the latest jobs report as disappointing, with fewer new positions created than anticipated, signaling a potential slowdown in economic recovery." (From The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publication: "Many fans found the new superhero movie to be disappointing, citing a lack of character development and an overly simplistic storyline despite its impressive visual effects." (From an article on IGN.com)
Entertainment Medium (Television Show Review): "Despite a strong premise, the second season of the fantasy series proved disappointing for many viewers, who felt the pacing dragged and the plot became convoluted." (From a review on Rotten Tomatoes)
Entertainment Medium (Music Review): "Critics widely panned the pop star's latest album as disappointing, noting a departure from her signature sound and a reliance on generic production." (From a music blog)
General Public Discourse (Social Media): "Just finished a truly disappointing meal at that new restaurant everyone was raving about. Overpriced and underflavored!" (From a user's post on X, formerly Twitter)
General Public Discourse (Sports Commentary): "It was a disappointing performance from the home team tonight; they seemed to lack energy and cohesion from the opening whistle." (From a sports commentator during a live broadcast)
10 Quotes Using Disappointing
"The most disappointing thing about being an adult is that you still don't know what you're doing." (Unknown)
"What is truly disappointing is not when others fail you, but when you fail yourself." (Original)
"It's disappointing when you put so much effort into something, and it still doesn't turn out as you hoped." (Original)
"Life can be quite disappointing if you always expect things to go your way." (Original)
"A disappointing outcome often serves as a powerful lesson for future endeavors." (Original)
"The disappointing truth is that not everyone will appreciate your efforts." (Original)
"Sometimes, the most disappointing moments are the ones that force us to grow." (Original)
"It's less disappointing to try and fail than to never try at all." (Original)
"The disappointing part was not the loss, but the lack of effort shown." (Original)
"A disappointing meal is easily forgotten, but a disappointing friendship leaves a lasting taste." (Original)
Etymology
The word "disappointing" comes from the verb "disappoint."
The journey of "disappoint" starts in the Middle English period (around the mid-1400s). Its earliest meaning was quite different from what we understand today. It meant to "dispossess of an appointed office" or to "remove someone from a position." Think of it like taking away someone's appointment or job. This meaning likely came from the Old French word "desapointer," which also meant "to undo an appointment" or "remove from office." It's essentially "dis-" (meaning "reverse" or "opposite of") combined with "appoint."
By the late 1400s, the meaning of "disappoint" began to shift to the more familiar sense of "to frustrate the expectations or desires of someone." So, instead of being about a job, it became about dashed hopes. The word "disappointing" then emerged from this newer meaning, describing something that causes this feeling of frustrated expectations. The first known use of "disappointing" as we use it today (as an adjective describing something that fails to meet expectations) can be traced back to the mid-1500s.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Disappointing
A disappointing outcome: A result that did not meet expectations.
Highly disappointing: Expressing a strong degree of disappointment.
Nothing short of disappointing: Emphasizing that something was truly a letdown.
A disappointing turn of events: When circumstances unfold in an unfavorable way.
Disappointing news: Information that brings a feeling of letdown.
A crushing disappointment: (Using a synonym, "disappointment," for similar effect) A very severe letdown.
A bitter pill to swallow: (Idiom, implying a difficult or disappointing truth) Something unpleasant that must be accepted.
To fall flat: (Idiom, implying a disappointing failure) To be unsuccessful or ineffective.
To leave a lot to be desired: (Idiom, implying something is disappointing because it's not good enough) To be of poor quality or insufficient.
To dash one's hopes: (Idiom, implying a disappointing end to expectations) To destroy someone's hopes or expectations.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of disappointing from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
