Emotion: Disappointment

When you want to write the emotion disappointment, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid show; don't tell and immerse your readers in your story.

Disappointment is an emotion that arises when someone's expectations or hopes are not met or fulfilled. It is a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction that results from a situation or outcome that falls short of what was anticipated. Disappointment can be triggered by a range of circumstances, from minor letdowns to major setbacks or failures. It is a natural and common emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives.

Different Types of Disappointment

Here are some different types of disappointment:

• Personal disappointment: When a character is disappointed in themselves for failing to meet their own expectations or goals.
• Professional disappointment: When a character experiences disappointment related to their job or career, such as not getting a promotion or failing to win a big account.
• Romantic disappointment: When a character is disappointed in a relationship, whether it's a breakup or unrequited love.
• Family disappointment: When a character is disappointed by a family member's actions or behavior.
• Societal disappointment: When a character is disappointed by the state of the world or society they live in, such as feeling let down by political leaders or social injustices.

Situations Associated with Disappointment

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of disappointment:

• Failing to achieve a goal or objective
• Being let down by someone they trusted
• Losing a competition or contest
• Receiving negative feedback or criticism
• Discovering that something they believed in or valued was not true
• Realizing that they made a mistake or wrong decision
• Experiencing unfulfilled expectations or hopes
• Being rejected or turned down

Physical Reactions to Disappointment

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing disappointment might have:

• Drooping or slumping posture
• Sighing or heavy breathing
• A lack of eye contact or avoiding eye contact altogether
• A frown, furrowed eyebrows, or a pout
• A slow or hesitant movement
• A lack of energy or enthusiasm
• A reluctance to engage in activities they used to enjoy
• A quiet or subdued voice
• A lack of appetite or overeating

Thoughts Associated with Disappointment

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing disappointment might have:

• I thought it would be different
• I had such high hopes
• Why did I even bother?
• I'm not good enough
• I should have known better
• This is a letdown
• What a waste of time
• I feel like giving up
• Maybe it's my fault
• I'm so frustrated
• I feel like crying

Atmosphere of Disappointment

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of disappointment in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Use descriptive language to paint a picture of a bleak or dreary setting. For example, describing a cloudy sky or a rundown building.
• Incorporate sounds and smells that evoke a sense of disappointment. For instance, the sound of rain or the smell of stale air.
• Use weather to reflect the character's emotions. A stormy day can symbolize the turmoil inside a character who is feeling disappointed.
• Set the scene in a place that has lost its former glory. For instance, a once-grand mansion that is now falling apart can convey a sense of disappointment.
• Use contrast to highlight the character's disappointment. For example, describing a beautiful sunset while the character is feeling let down can emphasize their emotions.
• Incorporate details that convey a sense of loss or missed opportunities. For instance, a playground that is empty and abandoned can represent unfulfilled hopes and dreams.
• Use lighting to create a somber or melancholy atmosphere. For example, dim lighting can create a sense of disappointment in a character who is struggling to find their way.

Verbs Associated with Disappointment

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of disappointment:

• Regret
• Despair
• Grieve
• Lament
• Mourn
• Brood
• Sulk
• Resent
• Blame
• Remorse
• Rue
• Bemoan
• Deplore
• Reproach

Emotions Before Disappointment

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences disappointment:

• Anticipation
• Excitement
• Hopefulness
• Eagerness
• Optimism
• Enthusiasm
• Confidence
• Trust

Emotions After Disappointment

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences disappointment:

• Sadness
• Frustration
• Anger
• Resentment
• Envy
• Regret
• Hopelessness
• Discouragement
• Disillusionment

Telling Disappointment Examples to Avoid

Here are some examples of telling the emotion disappointment in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• She felt disappointed when she didn't get the job.
• He was disappointed that his favorite team lost the championship.
• She was disappointed in her friend's behavior.
• He couldn't hide his disappointment when he opened the gift.
• She tried to mask her disappointment with a forced smile.
• He felt a wave of disappointment wash over him as he read the rejection letter.
• She was disappointed by the turnout at her book signing.
• He felt a sense of disappointment creep in as he realized he wouldn't make his deadline.
• She was disappointed that her parents couldn't make it to her graduation.

Practical Examples of Showing Disappointment

Here are some examples of showing disappointment in a sentence:

• She sighed heavily and stared at the ground.
• His shoulders slumped as he walked away.
• She avoided eye contact and her voice became monotone.
• His eyebrows furrowed and he let out a frustrated groan.

Exercises for Showing Disappointment

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing disappointment:

• Write a scene where the character is expecting a promotion at work, but instead gets passed over for someone else.
• Write a scene where the character is looking forward to a special event, but it gets cancelled at the last minute.
• Write a scene where the character is waiting for someone important to show up, but they never arrive.
• Write a scene where the character is trying their best to complete a task, but they fail to meet the expectations of others.
• Write a scene where the character is betrayed by someone they trusted.
• Write a scene where the character is let down by something or someone they believed in.
• Write a scene where the character's hopes and dreams are crushed by an unforeseen obstacle.
• Write a scene where the character experiences a setback or loss that threatens their sense of self-worth.
• Write a scene where the character realizes that something they had been working towards was not worth the effort.

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full list of emotions.