Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Demoralization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ž
Add to dictionary

demoralization

[dษชหŒmษ”หrษ™laษชหˆzeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of discouragement

Demoralization is the feeling of discouragement, loss of confidence, and negative emotions that can result from difficult or challenging situations. It is a state of mind where one feels overwhelmed, helpless, and lacking motivation.

Synonyms

dejection, despondency, discouragement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
demoralization

This word is often used in situations where someone's spirit, confidence, or morale is completely shattered, usually after experiencing a significant defeat or failure.

  • The team's continuous losses in the tournament led to complete demoralization
  • The consistent setbacks in the project caused widespread demoralization among the employees
discouragement

Discouragement is often used to describe feeling less hopeful or motivated, usually after facing obstacles or challenges.

  • One failure after another led to growing discouragement among the students
  • He felt discouragement after receiving negative feedback on his work
despondency

This word is used when someone is in a state of extreme disheartenment or a complete loss of hope, usually after prolonged adversity.

  • She felt a sense of despondency after months of job hunting without success
  • His despondency was clear when he realized his business was failing
dejection

Dejection is typically used to describe a state of sadness or low spirits, often resulting from disappointment or a sense of failure.

  • After not getting the job he wanted, he fell into a deep state of dejection
  • Her dejection was evident after her artwork was not selected for the exhibition

Examples of usage

  • His constant failures led to a deep sense of demoralization.
  • The team's demoralization was evident after their third consecutive defeat.
  • She struggled to overcome the demoralization caused by the rejection of her ideas.
Context #2 | Noun

moral corruption

Demoralization can also refer to the process of moral corruption or degradation, where one's ethical principles and values are compromised or eroded. This type of demoralization often occurs in situations where individuals are exposed to unethical behavior or immoral practices.

Synonyms

corruption, degradation, immorality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
demoralization

This term is best used to describe the erosion of morale or spirit within a group or individual, often due to consistent adverse conditions or a significant negative event.

  • The constant layoffs led to the demoralization of the workforce
  • The team's demoralization was evident after their consecutive losses
corruption

Typically used in relation to dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, often involving bribery or other forms of unethical behavior. It carries a strong negative connotation.

  • The corruption in the government was evident when the officials were caught accepting bribes
  • The company's reputation was tarnished by its internal corruption
degradation

This term refers to the process of something being reduced in quality, value, or character. It can be used in both a physical and moral sense.

  • Environmental degradation is a serious problem caused by pollution
  • The degradation of his health was clear due to his unhealthy lifestyle
immorality

Used to describe actions or behaviors that are considered morally wrong or unethical. This term is often used in discussions about personal conduct and societal values.

  • The immorality of cheating on exams is taught from a young age
  • Many people were outraged by the immorality displayed by the public figure

Examples of usage

  • The demoralization of society can have far-reaching consequences.
  • The demoralization of the political system has led to widespread distrust among the population.
  • The company's demoralization was a result of unethical business practices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that long-term demoralization can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
  • Feeling demoralized can affect motivation, making it hard to even start tasks or projects you once enjoyed.

History

  • During World War II, demoralization was used as a tactic to weaken enemy forces, showing the importance of morale in warfare.
  • The concept was notably discussed in the context of soldiers' experiences in both World Wars, where continuous hardships led to declines in morale.

Education

  • In classroom settings, demoralization can occur when students feel they can't succeed, often affecting their performance.
  • Teachers who recognize signs of demoralization can implement strategies to boost students' confidence.

Sociology

  • Demoralization can spread within groups; when one member feels low, it can impact the entire team's spirit and productivity.
  • Communities facing economic challenges often experience collective demoralization, affecting social cohesion and engagement.

Literature

  • Demoralization is a common theme in literature, often depicted through characters facing insurmountable odds, leading to a crisis of hope.
  • Classic works often explore demoralization as a catalyst for character development and resilience.

Origin of 'demoralization'

The word demoralization originated from the French word 'dรฉmoralisation', which is derived from the Latin word 'moralis' meaning 'pertaining to morals'. The term first appeared in English in the mid-19th century, initially used in a military context to describe the breakdown of discipline and morale among soldiers. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass a broader sense of loss of morale and ethical integrity.

See also: demoralizing.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,943, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.