✅ Disappoint
Correct. One S, two Ps.
❌ Dissapoint
Incorrect. A common misspelling.
Getting the spelling right for this word can be tricky, but the answer is straightforward. The correct spelling is always disappoint. It contains a single ‘s’ and a double ‘p’. The version spelled as dissapoint is a misspelling and should be avoided in all formal and informal writing. Whether you are texting a friend or writing a business email, sticking to the one ‘s’ rule will keep your English sharp.
Why Do We Misspell It?
English is full of traps. The confusion usually stems from how we pronounce the word or how we view other words with the prefix “dis-“. Many people instinctively feel that the ‘s’ sound is strong, so they double it. Others might mix it up with words like dissolve or dissatisfied, where the double ‘s’ is actually required.
However, disappoint follows a very logical construction method. If you understand the building blocks of the word, you will never misspell it again.
The Simple Math of Spelling
Think of the word as an equation:
Dis (prefix) + Appoint (root word) = Disappoint
The prefix “dis-“ implies negation or reversal. The root word is “appoint.” Since “appoint” starts with an ‘a’ and not an ‘s’, there is no reason to add an extra ‘s’. You simply glue the two parts together.
The “Double S” Trap
Why does dissapoint look correct to so many people? It is often because of other words where the prefix “dis-” meets a root word starting with “s.”
- Dissatisfied: Dis + Satisfied (Double S is correct here)
- Dissolve: Dis + Solve (Double S is correct here)
- Dissect: Dis + Sect (Double S is correct here)
In contrast, look at words where the root does not start with “s”:
- Disappear: Dis + Appear (One S)
- Disagree: Dis + Agree (One S)
- Disappoint: Dis + Appoint (One S)
Examples in Sentences
Seeing the word in context helps reinforce the visual pattern. Notice the double ‘p’ and the single ‘s’ in these examples.
| Context | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Expectation | “I really hope the movie does not disappoint the fans.” |
| Regret | “I hate to disappoint you, but I cannot make it to the party.” |
| Performance | “The team did not want to disappoint their coach.” |
Quick Memory Tricks
If you find yourself hesitating while typing, try these mental shortcuts.
- The “Happy” Rule: You can be Happy or Disappointed. Neither word has a double ‘S’.
- Focus on the P’s: Imagine you are pointing at something. You ap-point. You dis-ap-point. The emphasis is on the Pointing.
- One S for Sadness: Disappointment causes Sadness. Just one S.
Writer’s Tip: This spelling rule applies to the entire word family. Whether you write disappointed, disappointing, or disappointment, the rule remains: One S, Two Ps.
