French word

déception

Pronunciation

IPA/desɛpsjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine noundisappointment

Example

Quelle déception !

What a disappointment!

Illustration for déception (disappointment)

More examples

Sa décision a été une déception.

His decision was a disappointment.

Core concept

Hope rises toward an expected result, then drops when reality does not meet it.

Common phrases

  • Quelle déception

    What a disappointment

  • ressentir une déception

    feel disappointment

  • une grande déception

    a great disappointment

Similar words

frustration: A feeling of irritation and helplessness when desired outcomes are thwarted.
regret: A feeling of sorrow about a past action or event.
tristesse: A feeling of sadness or low spirits.

Definition in French

Sentiment de regret et de désappointement éprouvé lorsque quelque chose attendu ne se produit pas.

Word origin

The noun déception developed from the verb décevoir, which continues Latin decipere through Old French, while the ending -ion forms an abstract noun.

Usage tips

  • English deception means deliberate misleading, but French déception normally means disappointment rather than deception.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word