as in despair
the state of being discouraged
I tried desperately to avoid discouragement after failing the bar exam twice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discouragement
This isn’t just a lesson kids need to hear; parents deal with failure and discouragement too.
—
Kara Nesvig, Parents, 9 Oct. 2024
But since that development in August, there has not been a more forceful public declaration of that new position from the US government — to the discouragement of some advocates.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 24 Sep. 2024
Undoubtedly, there is much ground for discouragement.
—Thomas Carothers, Foreign Affairs, 11 Apr. 2017
The discouragement of history for lame ducks Biden's speech was shorter, and his message didn't come as a surprise.
—Susan Page, USA TODAY, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for discouragement 
Kara Nesvig, Parents, 9 Oct. 2024
But since that development in August, there has not been a more forceful public declaration of that new position from the US government — to the discouragement of some advocates.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 24 Sep. 2024
Undoubtedly, there is much ground for discouragement.
—Thomas Carothers, Foreign Affairs, 11 Apr. 2017
The discouragement of history for lame ducks Biden's speech was shorter, and his message didn't come as a surprise.
—Susan Page, USA TODAY, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for discouragement
Thesaurus Entries Near discouragement
Cite this Entry
“Discouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouragement. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share