Discouragement: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is typically used when talking about a feeling of losing confidence or enthusiasm, often due to obstacles or lack of progress.

• Her repeated failures led to a sense of discouragement.
• Despite the initial discouragement, he kept pushing towards his goal.

This word is often used in a similar way to discouragement but can carry a slightly deeper emotional impact, implying a serious loss of hope or morale.

• The team felt a sense of disheartenment after losing the final match.
• News of the layoffs brought a wave of disheartenment through the office.

This is used when describing a decline in motivation, often as a result of continuous stress, monotony, or a lack of rewards in a given situation.

• The company's strict policies led to widespread demotivation among employees.
• His demotivation was evident when he stopped participating in meetings.

This is a more specific term that refers to the act of persuading someone not to do something, rather than a general feeling or state.

• Her parents' strong dissuasion convinced her not to drop out of college.
• Despite his friends' dissuasion, he went ahead with his risky plan.

Used when someone feels a lack of confidence or motivation to continue with an effort or task. It often suggests a temporary objection or difficulty.

• She felt a sense of discouragement after failing the test.
• The team's repeated losses led to discouragement among the players.

Conveys a feeling of shock and distress, often when confronted with sudden disappointment or adversity. It can be both immediate and intense.

• She was filled with dismay when she saw the car accident.
• The unexpected news of the company's bankruptcy left the employees in dismay.

Used when someone is let down due to unmet expectations or hopes. It is often specific to a particular event or outcome.

• He felt a wave of disappointment when he didn't get the promotion.
• The movie's poor reviews caused disappointment among fans.

Refers to a state of low mood, severe depression, or hopelessness. It is more intense and prolonged compared to discouragement.

• After losing his job, he fell into despondency and rarely left his house.
• Her despondency was evident when she stopped participating in social activities.