disappoint

verb

dis·​ap·​point ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint How to pronounce disappoint (audio)
disappointed; disappointing; disappoints
Synonyms of disappointnext

transitive verb

: to fail to meet the expectation or hope of : frustrate
The team disappointed its fans.
He disappointed his parents with his decision.

intransitive verb

: to fail to meet a hope or expectation : to cause disappointment
… where the show disappoints most is in the work of the younger generation.—John Ashbery

Synonyms of disappoint

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Examples of disappoint in a Sentence

The team disappointed its fans. The show may disappoint some viewers. The novel disappoints by being predictable and overly long.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Have you been disappointed by the overall performance of the team this year? — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Sky-gazers who were disappointed not to catch the total solar eclipse this month have a consolation prize. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 25 Aug. 2026 Hayley Atwell was disappointed about the demise of Peggy Carter. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 Demand was high and supply was low, so companies and distilleries started removing age statements from labels, disappointing their dedicated fans. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disappoint

Word History

Etymology

Middle English disapointen to dispossess, from Middle French desapointer, from des- dis- + appointer to arrange — more at appoint

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of disappoint was circa 1513

Rhymes for disappoint

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Browse Nearby Words

disappear/vanish into thin air
disappoint
disappointed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disappoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disappoint. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disappoint

verb
dis·​ap·​point ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint How to pronounce disappoint (audio)
: to fail to meet the expectation or hope of
the team disappointed its fans
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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