Nick's sense of disillusionment is aided by the fact that Gatsby could not survive. The idea that someone could be too sensitive, too hopeful, too romantic to make it in this world populated by people like the Buchanans is extremely disheartening.
In chapter one, Nick says, "Gatsby turned out all right in the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men." In other words, Gatsby himself wasn't really the problem for Nick. In terms of what preyed on Gatsby, it is certainly those who lack his sensitivity and hope. Think of Daisy and when she sees Nick in this chapter: she gets upset with him for not coming to her wedding (even though he was away fighting a war!), and she tells him that she's become "'pretty cynical about everything.'" And this is a woman who's had everything handed to her! Gatsby has clawed his way up from nothing (albeit, illegally), and he absolutely believes that his great love for Daisy will render him victorious in reclaiming their past. However, he just doesn't realize that we "'can't repeat the past,'" although Nick tries to tell him. Gatsby remains hopeful till the last, and he dies for it. This is why, in part, Nick becomes so disillusioned.
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