How to say it · How you feel

Saying I'm disappointed

Something didn't turn out the way you hoped. You want to show it, from a small "oh no" to a serious complaint, without sounding childish or rude.

6 ways to say it

How strongMildStrong

That's a shamebest default I was hoping for a bit moregentle critique I'm a bit disappointedhonest feeling It was a bit of a letdownafter the hype I'm guttedbritish and strong I'm extremely disappointedformal complaint

Way 1 · best default

That's a shame

A light, kind reaction when plans fall through or news isn't great.

How strongVery mild

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Oh, that's a shame. Maybe next time?

That's a shame they closed the old bakery. I loved it.

In a conversation

A: Sorry, I can't make it to your birthday dinner after all.
B: Oh, that's a shame! We'll save you some cake.

Common mistake

Not: ~~So pity!~~

Say: That's a shame!

"Pity" is a noun, so "so pity" doesn't work. Say "That's a shame" or "What a pity".

Practice saying this

Next: I was hoping for a bit more

Way 2 · gentle critique

I was hoping for a bit more

A soft way to say something wasn't as good as you expected.

How strongMild

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

The hotel was fine, but I was hoping for a bit more for the price.

Honestly, I was hoping for a bit more from the last episode.

In a conversation

A: So, what did you think of the new menu?
B: It was OK. I was hoping for a bit more, to be honest.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm a bit disappointed

Way 3 · honest feeling

I'm a bit disappointed

You name the feeling clearly. Calm, but people know it matters to you.

How strongMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm a bit disappointed nobody told me about the change.

I didn't get the flat. I'm a bit disappointed, but there'll be others.

Common mistake

Not: I'm a bit ~~disappointing.~~

Say: I'm a bit disappointed.

"Disappointing" describes the thing ("the film was disappointing"). You feel "disappointed".

Practice saying this

Next: It was a bit of a letdown

Way 4 · after the hype

It was a bit of a letdown

For an event, film or trip that didn't live up to the excitement.

How strongMiddle

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Everyone loved that film, but it was a bit of a letdown for me.

The fireworks were a bit of a letdown this year.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm gutted

Way 5 · british and strong

I'm gutted

Very disappointed and upset. Everyday British English with friends.

How strongVery strong

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

We lost in the last minute. I'm gutted.

She was gutted when the concert got cancelled.

In a conversation

A: Did you get the job?
B: No, they gave it to someone inside the company. I'm gutted.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm extremely disappointed

Way 6 · formal complaint

I'm extremely disappointed

Serious and formal. Used in complaints to companies or very firm feedback.

How strongVery strong

ToneFormal

Use itAt work

Examples

I'm extremely disappointed with the way my order was handled.

As a regular customer, I'm extremely disappointed by this response.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

That's a shame I was hoping for a bit more I'm a bit disappointed It was a bit of a letdown

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

More moments like this