Definition

Not meeting the expectations or hopes of someone; causing feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction.

Example

The movie was disappointing because it didn't have a good plot.

Conversation

Did you see the game last night?

Yeah, it was pretty disappointing to watch our team lose again.

I know! I expected them to play much better.

Same here. It really felt like they didn't give their best effort.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Disappointing → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "appoint" (from Old French *apointier*, meaning to arrange or fix). The word "disappointing" means to take away the arrangement or expectation, leading to a sense of letdown or failure to meet expectations.

Memory Tip

Think of something that takes away your hopes or arrangements ('dis-') — that's why disappointing means failing to meet your expectations.

Visually Confused Words