Demoralization: meaning, definitions and examples

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demoralization

 

[ dɪˌmɔːrəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
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

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

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

Translations of the word "demoralization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desmoralização

🇮🇳 हतोत्साहन

🇩🇪 Demoralisierung

🇮🇩 demoralisasi

🇺🇦 деморалізація

🇵🇱 demoralizacja

🇯🇵 士気喪失 (しきそうしつ)

🇫🇷 démoralisation

🇪🇸 desmoralización

🇹🇷 moral bozukluğu

🇰🇷 사기 저하

🇸🇦 إحباط

🇨🇿 demoralizace

🇸🇰 demoralizácia

🇨🇳 士气低落

🇸🇮 demoralizacija

🇮🇸 siðspilling

🇰🇿 моральдық құлдырау

🇬🇪 დემორალიზაცია

🇦🇿 demoralizasiya

🇲🇽 desmoralización

Word origin

The word demoralization originated from the French word 'démoralisation', 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.