Discouraging
/dɪˈskʌrɪdʒɪŋ/
Definitions
Causing someone to lose hope, confidence, or enthusiasm.
/dɪˈskʌrɪdʒɪŋ/
Causing someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm; disheartening.
The rain was discouraging our plans for a picnic.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to bake a cake, but it keeps burning. Each burnt cake would be discouraging because you're losing hope that you'll make a good one.
👶 For kids: When something makes you feel sad because you don't want to keep trying.
More Examples
The high cost of the project proved discouraging to the investors.
The initial rejection letters were discouraging, but she didn't give up.
How It's Used
"The results of the survey were discouraging."
"The slow sales figures were discouraging for the team."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Middle English *discouragen*, from Old French *descouragier* 'to deprive of courage', from *des-* 'un-' + *corage* 'courage'.
The word has been used in its modern sense since the late 16th century, reflecting the changing social and psychological understanding of motivation and emotions.
Memory tip
Think of a 'discourage-ing' situation as one that steals your courage.
Word Origin
"To deprive of courage"