Be Disappointed To Do vs. Disappointed With Something
Be Disappointed To Do vs. Disappointed With Something distinguishes two attested complement patterns for the same adjective. Use disappointed + to-infinitive for the adjective followed by its documented complement pattern; use disappointed with + noun phrase for the separately documented construction. The constructions are not interchangeable simply because they share the adjective; choose the pattern that matches the grammatical relationship you mean.
Use disappointed + to-infinitive when the adjective introduces that documented complement; use disappointed with + noun phrase when you mean the second documented relationship.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| reaction linked to an action/event | disappointed + to-infinitive | use the infinitive to present the action or event |
| dissatisfaction directed at a person, result, or thing | disappointed with + noun phrase | name the object of dissatisfaction |
Quick tests
Event-or-object test
Are you presenting an action/event that causes disappointment, or naming the person/thing you are dissatisfied with?
If yes: Use “disappointed to + verb” for the action/event reading.
If no: Use “disappointed with + noun phrase” for the object of dissatisfaction.
Caveat: Both patterns are documented; context decides the relationship rather than a blanket preference.
Examples
I was disappointed to hear that the meeting was cancelled.
The infinitive presents the event associated with the disappointment.
She was disappointed with the final draft.
“With” introduces the thing that did not meet expectations.
They were disappointed with the service.
The noun phrase names the object of dissatisfaction.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use disappointed + to-infinitive for the adjective followed by its documented complement pattern; use disappointed with + noun phrase for the separately documented construction.
Style Boundary
Treat the distinction as a complement-pattern choice, not as a claim that every nearby preposition or clause is impossible. Follow the directly documented construction for the intended relationship.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- DISAPPOINTED — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Direct dictionary evidence for disappointed + to-infinitive and disappointed with.