Which word signifies a significant amount of sadness or disappointment?

The term that signifies a significant amount of sadness or disappointment is grief. Grief specifically refers to the deep sorrow or distress that arises in response to loss, particularly the death of a loved one, but can also relate to other forms of significant loss or disappointment. It encapsulates a profound emotional response, often associated with mourning and a lengthy process of healing.

While despair also indicates a state of deep sadness or hopelessness, it generally emphasizes a feeling of being overwhelmed by that sadness, possibly leading to a sense of futility. In contrast, grief is more specifically tied to loss and encompasses a range of emotional responses, making it a more precise term for reflecting significant sadness or disappointment.

Joy and surprise are both emotions that convey positive feelings, which do not align with the concept of sadness or disappointment at all. Thus, grief is the most appropriate choice in this context.