Demoralization: meaning, definitions and examples

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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