disappointment
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disappointment
The feeling that arises when a hope or expectation is not fulfilled.
Die Enttäuschung über das schlechte Prüfungsergebnis war ihr deutlich anzusehen.
The disappointment about the poor exam result was clearly visible on her face.
disappointment
A person, thing, or event that disappoints.
Der Film, auf den ich mich so gefreut hatte, war eine einzige Enttäuschung.
The film I had been looking forward to so much was nothing but a disappointment.
The word comes from the verb 'ent-täuschen' (to disappoint). The prefix 'ent-' here means 'to take away', and 'täuschen' means 'to create a false impression'. An 'Enttäuschung' (disappointment) is therefore the feeling that arises when a deception or a beautiful illusion is taken away.
Die Realität hat seine Illusionen zerstört und zur Enttäuschung geführt.
Reality destroyed his illusions and led to disappointment.
'Die Enttäuschung' (disappointment) belongs to a word family with the verb 'enttäuschen' (to disappoint) and the adjective 'enttäuscht' (disappointed). When you describe a person, you say 'sie ist enttäuscht' (she is disappointed). The feeling itself is 'die Enttäuschung' (the disappointment).
Er war sichtlich enttäuscht von dem Ergebnis.
He was visibly disappointed with the result.
To state the reason for the disappointment, the preposition 'über' with the accusative is almost always used.
Die Enttäuschung über die Absage war groß.
The disappointment about the cancellation was great.
As a feeling, 'Enttäuschung' (disappointment) is often described with adjectives such as 'groß' (great), 'tief' (deep), or 'bitter' (bitter). Typical verbs are 'eine Enttäuschung erleben' (to experience a disappointment) or 'seine Enttäuschung zeigen' (to show one's disappointment).
Es war eine bittere Enttäuschung für die ganze Mannschaft.
It was a bitter disappointment for the whole team.
When a person or thing is described as 'eine Enttäuschung' (a disappointment), the noun often appears with the indefinite article and the verb 'sein' (to be). It evaluates the subject of the sentence negatively.
Der neue Mitarbeiter war leider eine große Enttäuschung.
The new employee was unfortunately a major disappointment.
dissatisfaction
Enttäuschung refers to the feeling that follows an unfulfilled hope or expectation. Unzufriedenheit is more general: it means that you are not satisfied with a situation, performance, or person; a specific disappointed expectation is not necessary. After a poor result, either word may fit, depending on what is being emphasized.
Die Enttäuschung über die abgesagte Reise war groß, weil wir uns darauf gefreut hatten.
We were very disappointed that the trip was canceled because we had been looking forward to it.
Die Unzufriedenheit mit dem Reiseangebot blieb groß, auch ohne eine bestimmte Erwartung.
Our dissatisfaction with the travel options remained high, even without a specific expectation.
