Decepcionada

Decepcionada is the feminine singular form of the Spanish adjective decepcionado, used to describe a female subject who feels disappointment or has been let down. It can function as a predicate adjective, as in Ella está decepcionada, or as an attributive modifier, as in una persona decepcionada. The masculine counterpart is decepcionado.

Etymology and form: Decepcionada derives from the verb decepcionar (to disappoint), which in turn comes from the noun decepción and ultimately from Latin decipere, with the prefix de- indicating reversal or negation. The suffix -ada marks the feminine form of the past participle/adjective.

Usage and nuance: Decepcionada is widely used across Spanish-speaking regions to express personal emotion or reaction to an outcome, action, or behavior. It is close in meaning to desilusionada (disillusioned) but often conveys a more immediate sense of disappointment rather than a broader loss of hope. Synonyms include frustrada and insatisfecha, though each term carries subtle differences in emphasis.

Examples: “Estoy decepcionada con el resultado.” “Ella se siente decepcionada por la actitud de su equipo.” These phrases illustrate typical contexts, from entertainment or sports to expectations unmet in daily life.

Translations: In English, decepcionada translates as “disappointed” or “disillusioned,” depending on context. Related terms in Spanish include decepción (the noun, meaning disappointment) and decepcionar (the verb, to disappoint).

See also: decepción, decepcionar, desilusión.