"Disappointed by the Result": What It Means and How to Use It Naturally

How many times have you anxiously awaited the outcome of an exam, an important game, or a job interview, only to find that the result was not what you hoped for? In English, to express that specific state of mind, we often use the adjective phrase "disappointed by the result." Understanding and correctly using this expression will help you speak like a native and enrich your English vocabulary. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore its meaning, grammar, and provide practical examples to use it with confidence.

Table of Contents

• What Does "Disappointed by the Result" Mean?
• The Grammar Behind the Phrase: Rules and Common Mistakes
• Real-Life Examples with "Disappointed by the Result"
• Related Words and Expressions
• Conclusion

What Does "Disappointed by the Result" Mean?

Feeling bitterness or frustration over an outcome that did not meet one’s expectations.

• Disappointed: Adjective. Indicates a state of dissatisfaction, disappointment, or disillusionment. Refers to the subject experiencing this feeling.
• By: Preposition. Indicates the cause or agent. Introduces the specific cause of disappointment.
• Result: Noun. The final outcome, the yield of an event, a test, a competition, or an activity.

The Grammar Behind the Phrase: Rules and Common Mistakes

The correct use of "disappointed by the result" requires attention to the agreement of the adjective and the preposition.

• Agreement of the Adjective: The adjective "disappointed" must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the subject of the sentence.

  • John is disappointed by the result. (Masculine singular)
  • Maria is disappointed by the result. (Feminine singular)
  • They are disappointed by the result. (Masculine plural, or mixed)
  • The girls are disappointed by the result. (Feminine plural)

• Preposition "by": The preposition "by" is fundamental in this phrase. It indicates the cause or agent that leads to disappointment. It is almost always followed by the article ("by the," "by a," "by an").

  • Correct: "I am disappointed by the result."
  • Incorrect: "I am disappointed at the result."
  • Incorrect: "I am disappointed for the result." (Although "for the result" is sometimes used for a general reason, "by the result" is more specific and common for the causal agent of disappointment.)

• Common Mistakes:

  • Confusing "disappointed by" with "disappointed at." "Disappointed at" is used only with a verb in the infinitive (e.g., "I am disappointed at having lied to you"), not with a noun that indicates the cause.
  • Not agreeing the adjective form correctly. Always remember that "disappointed" is a variable adjective.

Real-Life Examples with "Disappointed by the Result"

Here are some examples showing how to use "disappointed by the result" in real-life contexts. These will help you improve your learning English and use adjective phrase examples like a native.

• Dialogue 1: After a Football Game

  • Person A: "How did the game go? I saw the final score."
  • Person B: "Not well, unfortunately. The team played well, but in the end, we were disappointed by the result."

• Dialogue 2: Result of an Exam

  • Person A: "Did you get the scores for the math exam?"
  • Person B: "Yes, and I am a bit disappointed by the result. I expected to do better; I studied a lot."

• Dialogue 3: Unsuccessful Investment

  • Person A: "How is your new investment going? Did it yield the expected results?"
  • Person B: "To be honest, no. I am quite disappointed by the result. It didn’t turn out as planned."

• Dialogue 4: Sports Competition

  • Person A: "The gymnast seemed so confident she would win. What happened?"
  • Person B: "She made a crucial mistake in her final routine. She is clearly disappointed by the final result."

Related Words and Expressions

To expand your English vocabulary and describe disappointment in different ways, here are some expressions related to "disappointed by the result."

Conclusion

Now you have a clear understanding of what "disappointed by the result" means, how to use it correctly at a grammatical level, and in what contexts. This phrase is essential for expressing feelings of dissatisfaction regarding an outcome and will enrich your way of describing people in English and their reactions.

Now it's your turn! Try using "disappointed by the result" in a sentence and share it in the comments below. When was the last time you felt that way?