discouragement

noun

dis·​cour·​age·​ment di-ˈskər-ij-mənt 

-ˈkə-rij-

1

: the act of discouraging : the state of being discouraged

2

: something that discourages

Synonyms

• demoralization
• despair
• despondency
• disheartenment
• dismay
• dispiritedness

Examples of discouragement in a Sentence

the discouragement of drug use among teenagers

She expressed discouragement over the difficulty of finding a good job.

The team's losses have left fans with a feeling of discouragement.

He says that the tax is a discouragement to doing business in this state.

Despite the discouragements of the past week, we need to continue moving forward.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its balance of yearning to action, of discouragement to catharsis, often feels off, especially compared to his more dynamic efforts. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2024

Spirits shifted constantly between hope and discouragement. —Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024

Ask for the expert perspective that will save you time, trouble and discouragement. —Jed Brewer, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2024

Around him other young men offered advice and, in some cases, discouragement. —Raja Abdulrahim, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

discouragement

noun

dis·​cour·​age·​ment dis-ˈkər-ij-mənt 

-ˈkə-rij-

1

: an act of discouraging : the state of being discouraged

2

: something that discourages