v.tr. 1 (also absol.) fail to fulfil a desire or expectation of (a person). 2 frustrate (hopes etc.); cause the failure of (a plan etc.). be disappointed (foll. by with, at, in, or to + infin., or that + clause) fail to have one's expectation etc. fulfilled in some regard (was disappointed with you; disappointed at the result; am disappointed to be last). disappointedly adv. disappointing adj. disappointingly adv.
[ ME f. F désappointer (as DIS-, APPOINT) ]