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Demoralizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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demoralizing

 

[dɪˈmɔːrəlaɪzɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling discouraged

Causing someone to lose confidence or hope; disheartening.

Synonyms

demotivating, discouraging, disheartening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demoralizing

Use this word to describe a situation or event that severely affects someone's morale or spirit, often leading to a significant drop in motivation or confidence.

  • The constant criticism from the manager was demoralizing the entire team
disheartening

This word is suitable for scenarios that cause someone to lose heart or become sad about their chances or progress. It often implies a deeper emotional impact than 'discouraging'.

  • Seeing the empty stands at what was supposed to be a big concert was disheartening for the band
discouraging

Use this term for situations that make someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about their efforts, often suggesting a setback or obstacle that diminishes hope or optimism.

  • Failing the exam after months of studying was a discouraging experience
demotivating

This word fits when describing something that reduces someone's desire or willingness to do something. It typically implies a reduction in energy or enthusiasm.

  • The lack of career advancement opportunities in the company was demotivating for many employees

Examples of usage

  • It was a demoralizing defeat for the team.
  • The constant criticism from her boss was demoralizing for Sarah.
  • The demoralizing effect of the ongoing pandemic has impacted many people's mental health.
Context #2 | Verb

affecting morale negatively

To cause someone to lose confidence or morale; to discourage or dishearten.

Synonyms

discourage, dishearten, unnerve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demoralizing

Used when referring to something that causes a loss of confidence or hope, often in a collective sense (e.g., a team or organization).

  • The constant losses were demoralizing for the football team
  • The harsh criticism from the management had a demoralizing effect on the employees
dishearten

Used when something causes a person to lose spirit or enthusiasm. It often has a more emotional connotation and is usually applied to individuals.

  • The news of his friend's illness disheartened him deeply
  • Failing the exam disheartened her, making her question her abilities
discourage

Typically used to describe actions or words that cause someone to lose the motivation to do something. It can be applied on an individual or group level.

  • Don't let small failures discourage you from trying again
  • The teacher's negative feedback discouraged the student from continuing the project
unnerve

Refers to causing someone to feel nervous or frightened. It has a strong emotional impact and can be either short-term or long-term.

  • The unexpected question from the interviewer unnerved her
  • His calm, unwavering stare unnerved everyone in the room

Examples of usage

  • The constant failures in his business demoralized him.
  • The lack of support from the management demoralized the employees.
  • The demoralizing comments from the critics affected the artist's confidence.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word has its roots in the Latin 'moralis', meaning 'moral', combined with the prefix 'de-' which means to take away.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, reflecting societal concerns about maintaining morale, especially during challenging times.

Psychology

  • Experiencing demoralization can lead to feelings of helplessness and anxiety, significantly affecting a person's mental health.
  • It's often considered a response to failure or prolonged stress, where individuals might feel that their efforts are worthless.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and film, characters often face demoralizing challenges that lead to significant character development as they overcome adversity.
  • Certain songs and stories resonate with themes of demoralization, showing how characters fight through feelings of defeat to find strength.

Education

  • Teachers aim to maintain a positive environment, as demoralization can hinder student performance and engagement.
  • Demoralizing feedback can negatively impact students’ willingness to participate, highlighting the importance of constructive criticism.

History

  • During wartime, soldiers can become demoralized due to prolonged suffering, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased desertion rates.
  • Historical leaders often focused on boosting morale to prevent demoralization among troops, understanding its impact on overall success.

Translations

Translations of the word "demoralizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desmoralizante

🇮🇳 मनोबल गिराने वाला

🇩🇪 demoralisierend

🇮🇩 melemahkan semangat

🇺🇦 деморалізуючий

🇵🇱 demoralizujący

🇯🇵 士気をくじく

🇫🇷 démoralisant

🇪🇸 desmoralizante

🇹🇷 moral bozucu

🇰🇷 사기를 꺾는

🇸🇦 محبط

🇨🇿 demoralizující

🇸🇰 demoralizujúci

🇨🇳 使士气低落的

🇸🇮 demoralizirajoč

🇮🇸 niðurdrepandi

🇰🇿 моральдық күйзеліске ұшырататын

🇬🇪 დემორალიზაციის მომყვანი

🇦🇿 mənəviyyatı sarsıdan

🇲🇽 desmoralizante

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,547, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.