Was/Has been

HaddieAre both correct?

No.
Only has been is correct.

You can use the simple past:
Everything I ever looked forward to was a disappointment.

They are both possible. As usual, "has been" refers to a period of time stretching up to the present, and suggests an effect on the present situation. "was" refers to historical events that may be viewed as complete.

AlpheccaStarsYou can use the simple past:Everything I ever looked forward to was a disappointment.

Hmm, I don't know whether I'm getting confused here, but isn't this the alternative that Haddie referred to?

GPY AlpheccaStarsYou can use the simple past:Everything I ever looked forward to was a disappointment.Hmm, I don't know whether I'm getting confused here, but isn't this the alternative that Haddie referred to?

I think the source of confusion is the vague choices:
Everything I ever looked forward to was/has been a disappoint

PhilipEverything I ever looked forward to was/has been a disappointment. I think the choices were intended to be was as opposed to has been, not has been as opposed to was been.

I see what you mean. It would probably be clearer to write it as "was / has been", i.e. with a space around the slash.

GPYI see what you mean. It would probably be clearer to write it as "was / has been", i.e. with a space around the slash.

Or perhaps even has been / was. I try to be extra careful when offering choices, especially when responding to a learner. If native speakers have problems, just imagine what might go through the mind of the learner!

Or the CJ way: [was / has been]

Thank you all for your help.
Yes, I meant "was" OR "has been".

Aspara GusOr the CJ way: [was / has been]

Thank you. That saved me from participating in this thread.