dis ‧ ap ‧ point ‧ ment /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: adjective : ↑ disappointed , ↑ disappointing ; verb : ↑ disappoint ; noun : ↑ disappointment ; adverb : ↑ disappointingly ]
1 . [uncountable] a feeling of unhappiness because something is not as good as you expected, or has not happened in the way you hoped:
He could see the disappointment in her eyes.
to sb’s (great) disappointment
To Edward’s disappointment, Gina never turned up at the party.
disappointment at/with/over etc
the managers’ disappointment with the results
Several people expressed disappointment at the delay.
disappointment that
her disappointment that she hadn’t been picked
She hid her bitter disappointment.
2 . [countable] someone or something that is not as good as you hoped or expected:
The movie was kind of a disappointment.
great/bitter disappointment
The loss was a bitter disappointment.
disappointment to
She felt she was a disappointment to her family.
disappointment for
The team’s performance has been a disappointment for the fans.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ great/huge/deep disappointment
There was great disappointment when we lost the game.
▪ bitter disappointment (=feeling disappointed in a very unhappy and upset way)
The fans felt bitter disappointment at England's failure to qualify for the finals.
■ verbs
▪ express disappointment
The US expressed disappointment at the outcome of the talks.
▪ hide your disappointment ( also conceal your disappointment formal )
She turned away quickly to hide her disappointment.
▪ avoid disappointment
We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.
▪ be doomed to disappointment (=be sure to be disappointed)
If you expect too much, you will be doomed to disappointment.
▪ share somebody's disappointment
We all shared her disappointment in failing to get the job.
■ phrases
▪ a sense/feeling of disappointment
For days he couldn't get over his sense of deep disappointment.
▪ a look of disappointment
She didn't attempt to hide the look of disappointment on her face.
▪ a twinge of disappointment (=a small feeling of disappointment)
She felt a twinge of disappointment at not getting first prize.