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Discouraging: meaning, definitions and examples

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discouraging

 

[dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Causing someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm; disheartening.

Synonyms

demoralizing, deterrent, disheartening, dismaying, dispiriting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discouraging

Used when something makes you lose hope or enthusiasm.

  • The low sales figures were quite discouraging for the new team
disheartening

Used when something causes you to lose courage or spirit, often temporarily.

  • Receiving another job rejection letter was disheartening
demoralizing

Implied when something causes a loss of confidence or spirit, often in a profound way.

  • The constant criticism was demoralizing for the employees
dismaying

Indicates a sense of alarm or distress caused by an unexpected or unpleasant event.

  • The news of the sudden layoffs was dismaying to the staff
dispiriting

Describes something that makes you feel downcast or depressed over a period of time.

  • The endless bad weather was dispiriting for the vacationers
deterrent

Refers to something that prevents or discourages an action by instilling fear or doubt.

  • The high fines act as a deterrent to speeding

Examples of usage

  • The constant criticism from his boss was discouraging him from pursuing his dreams.
  • The discouraging feedback on her artwork made her consider giving up on her passion.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To try to persuade someone not to do something.

Synonyms

advise against, deter, dissuade, put off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discouraging

This word is used when something makes you feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something. It can describe situations, comments, or actions that reduce motivation.

  • The lack of progress was very discouraging for the team.
  • His negative attitude was incredibly discouraging.
dissuade

This word is used when talking about persuading someone not to take a particular course of action. It involves reasoning and logical arguments.

  • She tried to dissuade him from quitting his job without a backup plan.
  • Despite my efforts to dissuade him, he went ahead with the risky plan.
deter

This word is used when someone takes actions or gives warnings to prevent or discourage certain behaviors or actions, often through fear of consequences.

  • The security presence helped deter potential thieves.
  • Strict penalties are intended to deter people from committing similar crimes.
put off

This phrase is used in informal contexts to describe making someone lose interest or enthusiasm for something. It can also mean postponing or delaying an action.

  • The constant delays put me off applying for the program.
  • The bad weather put us off from going for a hike.
advise against

This phrase is used when giving a formal or serious recommendation not to do something. It is often used in professional, legal, or medical contexts.

  • The doctor advised against strenuous exercise before fully recovering.
  • I would advise against investing all your money in one stock.

Examples of usage

  • She was discouraging him from taking the job offer due to the long hours.
  • The coach discouraged his team from giving up by inspiring them with motivational speeches.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'descurager', formed by 'des-' (removal) and 'courager' (to encourage).
  • It reflects a combination of Latin roots, where 'dis-' indicates negation, and 'cor' means heart, illustrating a descent in spirit.

Psychology

  • Feeling discouraged can trigger a stress response, leading to anxiety and lower motivation levels.
  • Research shows that support from friends and family can help counteract feelings of discouragement, boosting personal confidence.
  • Negative self-talk often accompanies discouragement, impacting self-esteem and long-term mental health.

Education

  • In educational settings, discouraging remarks can negatively affect student performance and willingness to participate.
  • Teachers who focus on positive reinforcement create a more motivating environment than those whose comments typically discourage effort.
  • Encouragement is considered a crucial element for fostering resilience in students and promoting a growth mindset.

Literature

  • Many literary characters face discouragement, which often serves as a pivotal moment leading to their growth and resilience.
  • Classic novels frequently depict the theme of overcoming discouragement, reflecting the human condition through struggles and triumphs.
  • Authors use discouragement as a narrative tool to convey deeper messages about perseverance, love, and personal growth.

Pop Culture

  • Discouragement is a common theme in popular films, where protagonists must overcome moments of doubt before achieving their goals.
  • Songs often explore feelings of discouragement and determination, resonating with audiences facing similar struggles.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes highlight contestants' discouraging moments to build drama and tension, showcasing the emotional range of participants.

Translations

Translations of the word "discouraging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desanimador

🇮🇳 हतोत्साहित करने वाला

🇩🇪 entmutigend

🇮🇩 mengesalkan

🇺🇦 зневіряючий

🇵🇱 zniechęcający

🇯🇵 気落ちさせる

🇫🇷 décourageant

🇪🇸 desalentador

🇹🇷 cesaret kırıcı

🇰🇷 낙담시키는

🇸🇦 محبط

🇨🇿 odrazující

🇸🇰 odrádzajúci

🇨🇳 令人沮丧的

🇸🇮 razočarajoč

🇮🇸 letjandi

🇰🇿 жүдететін

🇬🇪 გამამხნევებელი

🇦🇿 həvəsdən salan

🇲🇽 desalentador

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,254, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.