Disappointed - English Definition & Meaning

Daily Word • Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary

Definition

"Disappointed" means feeling sad or let down because something didn't happen as you hoped or expected. It's a feeling of dissatisfaction when expectations aren't met. It arises from a mismatch between anticipation and reality. Think of expecting a sunny day and getting rain 🌧️, or hoping for a good grade and receiving a bad one. It can range from mild sadness to deep regret. It's different from anger; it's about unmet hopes.

Etymology

The word "disappointed" comes from the Middle French word "desappointer," meaning to deprive of an appointment or to frustrate. This is formed from "des-" (opposite of) and "appointer" (to appoint). The idea is to foil or prevent something arranged. Over time, the meaning shifted to its current sense of feeling let down.

Related Words

Examples

  • "She was disappointed when she didn't get the job."
  • "He felt disappointed with the movie because it wasn't as good as he expected."
  • "The team was disappointed after losing the championship game."
  • "I was disappointed to hear that the concert was canceled."

Anecdote / Story

Imagine waiting all week for the new episode of your favorite show, and then it gets postponed – that's disappointing! It's like eagerly anticipating a gift, only to find out it's not what you wanted 🎁. Or, think of a gamer who loses a hard-fought match at the last second. 🎮 It captures the feeling of unmet expectations.

Encouragement

Use "disappointed" to describe those moments when things don't go as planned and you feel let down. It’s a common human emotion, so don't hesitate to use it to express your feelings. Remember, it's okay to feel disappointed sometimes. 😊

🚀 Ready to expand your vocabulary?

Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!

✅ Daily word delivery ✅ Etymology & examples ✅ Interactive learning ✅ 100% free trial
Start Your Free Trial on WhatsApp
📱 Get daily vocabulary on WhatsApp Start Free Trial