noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Refers to a situation or outcome that falls short of expectations; often used when hopes or predictions are not met.
The exam results were a disappointment.
The picnic was canceled due to the unexpectedly disappointing weather.
Standard kanji spelling.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; also common.
Compound of 当て (ate, 'aim, expectation') and 外れ (hazure, 'miss, failure'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word literally means 'missing the mark' in terms of expectations.