Dispiriting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dispiriting
[dɪˈspɪrɪtɪŋ ]
Definitions
feeling
Causing someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm; disheartening.
Synonyms
demoralizing, depressing, disappointing, discouraging, disheartening.
Examples of usage
- It's dispiriting to see how little progress has been made.
- The constant criticism from her boss was dispiriting for her morale.
- The dispiriting news of the failed project spread quickly among the team.
effect
Having a discouraging or demoralizing effect.
Synonyms
demoralizing, depressing, discouraging, disheartening, dismal.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
dispiriting |
Used when something makes someone lose enthusiasm or hope. It often refers to a general sense of lowering morale.
|
dismal |
Often used to describe a situation or mood that is gloomy and bleak. It has a stronger negative connotation than the other words.
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depressing |
Best used when referring to something that induces a state of sadness or gloom. It has a more emotional connotation.
|
disheartening |
Use this when something causes a loss of hope or confidence. It is often related to situations that involve disappointment.
|
discouraging |
This word is ideal when something deters someone from taking action or continuing progress. It implies a hindrance to motivation.
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demoralizing |
Prefer this word when something causes a person to lose confidence or determination. It can refer to a sapping of strength or motivation.
|
Examples of usage
- The dispiriting atmosphere in the office made it difficult to stay motivated.
- The dispiriting results of the experiment led to a reevaluation of the approach.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'dispiriting'
The word 'dispiriting' originates from the combination of 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'away from' and 'spirit' meaning 'vigor' or 'enthusiasm'. It first appeared in the mid-17th century, with the prefix 'dis-' intensifying the negative connotation of 'spirit'. Over time, 'dispiriting' has evolved to describe anything that diminishes one's morale or enthusiasm, reflecting the emotional impact of discouragement or disappointment.
See also: dispiritedly, spirited, spiritedness, spiritlessly, spirits, spiritual, spiritualist, spirituality, spiritualize, spiritually.