Disheartening: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when something causes a loss of hope or confidence. It's often used to describe a situation that diminishes enthusiasm or motivation.

• The team's repeated failures were disheartening.
• The lack of progress in the project was quite disheartening.

Appropriate for situations where someone's morale or spirits are severely lowered, often affecting their willingness to continue.

• Facing constant criticism can be extremely demoralizing.
• The long hours and lack of recognition were demoralizing for the staff.

Often used when something makes someone feel less confident or less willing to continue trying.

• The negative feedback was discouraging for the new writer.
• Low grades can be discouraging for students.

Fits situations where someone's enthusiasm or spirit are systematically broken down over time.

• The long, unfruitful job search was dispiriting.
• Continuous setbacks in the project were dispiriting for the team.

Best used when something causes a feeling of sudden disappointment or shock.

• It was dismaying to see the project fall apart at the last minute.
• The sudden job losses were dismaying news for the employees.

Used to describe something that causes severe sadness or gloom. It's often associated with a profound emotional response.

• The news about the natural disaster was very depressing.
• Living in isolation can be depressing.