disappointing

[ dis-uh-poin-ting ]

adjective

1. failing to fulfill one's hopes or expectations:

   a disappointing movie; a disappointing marriage.

disappointing

/ ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ /

adjective

1. failing to meet one's expectations, hopes, desires, or standards

Derived Forms

• ˌdisapˈpointingly, adverb

Other Words From

• disap·pointing·ly adverb
• undis·ap·pointing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disappointing¹

First recorded in 1520–30; disappoint + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The final margin was a throwback to the disappointing Super Bowls of the 1980s.

From Washington Post

It might be disappointing, but you may have to build up your tolerance so you can finally play titles like Halo or Apex Legends.

From Popular-Science

In September, the company posted disappointing earnings, which Gill lampooned as a “Chernobyl experience.”

From Washington Post

It’s disappointing that this year, the academic medicine community seems to have shrugged its shoulders.

From Vox

Wizards forward Davis Bertans had yet another disappointing shooting night, going 3 for 12 from three-point range, but he scored a critical 11 points.

From Washington Post

Yes, it was a fairly disappointing year in music—one devoid of Goth teen prodigies, Yeezy, and galvanizing rock anthems.

From The Daily Beast

Two years later, further tests were done, but this time to a disappointing conclusion.

From The Daily Beast

On the other hand, what broken and disappointing ground it is.

From The Daily Beast

The response the Foleys received was, for the most part, beyond disappointing—little more than a “pat on the head,” John said.

From The Daily Beast

Williamson stands by his record of rarely disappointing a customer when they are at a loss as to what suits them.

From The Daily Beast

Many of the pneumatic actions made to-day, however, are disappointing in these particulars.

From Project Gutenberg

It is without tower or spire of considerable height and somewhat disappointing when viewed from the exterior.

From Project Gutenberg

This was very disappointing to him, as he wanted to make inquiries concerning the manner of their escape.

From Project Gutenberg

They were to me disappointing efforts, if they were meant to be demonstrations of the success of co-operation.

From Project Gutenberg

It was rather disappointing to them to see his face so melancholy, when they expected him to be full of animation and pleasure.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• depressing
• disconcerting
• discouraging
• disheartening
• distasteful
• frustrating
• mediocre
• unpleasant
• unsatisfying