Demoralized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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demoralized

[dɪˈmɔːrəlaɪzd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Having lost confidence or hope; disheartened.

Synonyms

deflated, dejected, discouraged, disheartened, dismayed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
demoralized	Used when someone's confidence and spirit are completely broken, often due to prolonged difficulty or constant setbacks. After months of unsuccessful job search, he felt utterly demoralized. The team was demoralized by the continuous defeats.
discouraged	Used when someone feels a loss of confidence or enthusiasm, usually due to difficulties or obstacles. She was discouraged by the criticism she received. Many were discouraged by the lack of progress.
disheartened	Describes a feeling of losing hope or morale due to negative experiences or continuous difficulties. The students were disheartened by the low test scores. Seeing the lack of support, he became disheartened.
deflated	Used when someone's mood or enthusiasm is suddenly reduced. It often implies a sharp drop in excitement. She felt deflated after hearing the project was canceled. His excited smile deflated when he received the bad news.
dismayed	Often used when someone feels sudden shock or disappointment, leading to loss of courage or resolution. She was dismayed to find out that the event was canceled. The team was dismayed by the unexpected rule changes.
dejected	Refers to feeling depressed or downcast, often due to disappointment or failure. He looked dejected after not making the team. She was dejected when her proposal was rejected.

Examples of usage

I felt demoralized after failing the exam.
She was demoralized by the constant criticism from her boss.
His demoralized expression showed the toll of the difficult situation.
The demoralized team struggled to find motivation to continue.
The demoralized soldiers retreated in defeat.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

To undermine the confidence or morale of someone.

Synonyms

deject, discourage, dishearten, dismay, undermine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
demoralized	Appeared twice, refer to the first entry.
dishearten	Refers to causing someone to lose hope or confidence, especially after a setback or continuous problems. The constant rejections from publishers disheartened the writer
discourage	Used when someone's confidence or enthusiasm is reduced because of an obstacle or criticism. Don’t get discouraged if you fail the first time Keep trying!
dismay	Used when someone is filled with alarm, concern, or disappointment, often unexpectedly. She looked at the damaged painting with great dismay
deject	Refers to making someone feel sad or dispirited, usually due to a specific disappointing event. The news of his friend's illness dejected him deeply
undermine	Refers to weakening someone’s efforts, authority, or confidence over time, often subtly or in a deceitful manner. Gossip in the office can undermine team morale

Examples of usage

The constant failures demoralized him.
The negative feedback demoralized the team.
The demoralizing comments affected her self-esteem.
The defeat in the final game demoralized the players.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Prolonged feelings of being demoralized can lead to issues like depression or anxiety disorders.
The loss of motivation often occurs in individuals who experience repeated failures or setbacks, impacting their mental health.
Demoralization can make it hard for someone to see positive pathways, often needing support to regain confidence.

Historical Context

The term became widely used during the World Wars to describe soldiers who lost hope after enduring constant battles and hardships.
In the 20th century, demoralization was studied in the context of totalitarian regimes, where oppression and fear led to a decline in morale among citizens.
Movements for social change often face demoralization when expectations of success are not met, impacting activist engagement.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often experience demoralization as a result of betrayal or loss, leading to compelling narratives of recovery.
Authors like Shakespeare explored themes of despair and hope, illustrating how demoralization affects choices and relationships.
Contemporary novels frequently depict demoralized characters who undergo significant growth through adversity.

Education

Students can feel demoralized when facing academic pressures, especially if they struggle with subjects or receive poor grades.
Teachers play a crucial role in helping demoralized students regain motivation and self-belief through encouragement and support.
Programs focusing on mental health in schools aim to combat feelings of demoralization and promote resilience among students.

Pop Culture

Songs and movies often capture themes of demoralization, resonating with audiences who have felt similar emotions.
Reality shows sometimes highlight contestants facing demoralization, where their journey reflects real-life struggles with self-esteem.
Social media can exacerbate feelings of demoralization through unrealistic comparisons and pressures to succeed.

Origin of 'demoralized'

The word 'demoralized' originated from the French word 'démoraliser' in the early 19th century, with 'de-' meaning 'remove' and 'moral' referring to 'morale' or 'spirit'. It was initially used in military contexts to describe the breaking down of soldiers' morale. Over time, the term expanded to encompass a broader sense of losing confidence or hope in various situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,450, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21447 reappearance
21448 redoubled
21449 overproduction
21450 demoralized
21451 toggle
21452 stagger
21453 overhauled
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