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Disheartening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disheartening

[dษชsหˆhษ‘หrt(ษ™)nษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or emotion

Causing someone to lose determination or confidence; discouraging.

Synonyms

demoralizing, depressing, discouraging, dismaying, dispiriting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disheartening

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.
demoralizing

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.
discouraging

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.
dispiriting

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.
dismaying

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.
depressing

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.

Examples of usage

  • The news of failing the exam was disheartening for the students.
  • The constant rejection letters were disheartening for the job seeker.
  • The lack of progress in the project was disheartening for the team.
  • His disheartening words made her question her abilities.
  • The disheartening feedback from the critics affected the artist.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing disheartening situations can lead to feelings of helplessness, as described by psychologists in the learned helplessness theory.
  • Negative experiences can significantly impact one's motivation and overall mental health.
  • Coping strategies like reframing thoughts and seeking support are essential to combat the effects of disheartening events.

Literature

  • Many classic novels often portray disheartening moments to develop characters and themes, such as loss or perseverance.
  • Poets frequently explore disheartening emotions to evoke sympathy and connect readers to deeper human experiences.
  • In drama, disheartening moments can serve as a turning point or catalyst for character development.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often capture disheartening feelings, resonating with listeners through themes of heartbreak and disappointment.
  • Many popular movies showcase characters overcoming disheartening challenges, offering inspiration and hope.
  • Social media can amplify feelings of disheartenment through comparisons with others' idealized lives.

Education

  • In learning environments, disheartening feedback can affect a studentโ€™s motivation but can also lead to resilience and growth.
  • Educators emphasize the importance of providing constructive feedback to avoid feelings of disheartening among students.
  • Group projects can be disheartening when teamwork fails, yet they teach valuable lessons in collaboration and patience.

Origin of 'disheartening'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is formed from the prefix 'dis-' meaning to remove or reverse, combined with 'heart,' reflecting emotional feelings.
  • Historically, the term has been used in literature since the early 20th century to express emotional setbacks.
  • The suffix '-ening' indicates a process, so the word suggests a gradual decline in spirit or hope.

The word 'disheartening' originated from the combination of 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'away', and 'hearten' meaning 'to give strength or courage'. Therefore, 'disheartening' refers to something that takes away one's courage or determination, making them feel discouraged or demoralized. The term has been in use since the late 18th century, evolving to describe situations or events that have a negative impact on one's emotions or motivation.

See also: brokenhearted, dishearten, disheartened, halfheartedly, heart, heartache, heartbeat, heartbreak, heartbreaker, heartbreaking, heartbreakingly, heartbroken, heartening, heartfelt, heartily, heartland, heartless, heartlessly, heartlessness, heartsease, heartthrob, heartwarming, hearty.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,604, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.