Synonyms for

Discouraging

Verb / dɪˈskɜ:ʌdʒɪŋ / / dɪˈskɜ:ɪdʒɪŋ / Another word for discouraging — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm; disheartening

Synonyms & similar words

monish deter encouraging encourage admonish discourage warn disheartening dismaying dissuading demoralizing daunting dispiriting intimidating uninspiring off-putting unmotivating unpromising unencouraging disconcerting unsettling chilling frightening scaring terrifying alarming shocking

Synonyms by register

Formal

disheartening demoralizing unpromising discouraging

Informal

downbeat bumming a downer a drag

Literary

despiriting crestfallen dispiriting

Antonyms

encouraging heartening uplifting inspiring positive hopeful optimistic

Common collocations

  • discouraging results
  • discouraging trend
  • discouraging news
  • discouraging outlook
  • discouraging sign
  • discouragingly low

Word family

noun discouragement
verb discourage
adverb discouragingly

Usage note

Often used to describe something that makes one lose confidence or enthusiasm. Be careful not to confuse with 'disinterested' (impartial) which is sometimes mistakenly used in its place.

Example sentences

  1. The rainy weather was discouraging for the outdoor party.
  2. The coach's discouraging words caused the team to lose confidence.
  3. The difficult math problem was discouraging for the student.
  4. The long line at the amusement park was discouraging for the children.
  5. The negative comments were discouraging for the artist.

Quotes

  • Hope is the antidote to discouragement.
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
  • Believe you can and you're halfway there.

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