as in despair
the state of being discouraged
I tried desperately to avoid discouragement after failing the bar exam twice
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discouragement
More than 100 Manus employees moved into Meta’s Singapore offices in early March, CNBC has learned, signaling the controversial AI business deal has moved ahead despite Beijing’s discouragement.
—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Be aware that this discouragement might not be based on solid facts, but rather on disappointed hopes and wishes.
—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
And given all the ambient discouragement against speaking up about this particular cause, solidarity isn’t just a buzzword.
—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Stand strong in your plans and strategies for 2026 even if February and early March bring some discouragement.
—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discouragement
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Be aware that this discouragement might not be based on solid facts, but rather on disappointed hopes and wishes.
—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
And given all the ambient discouragement against speaking up about this particular cause, solidarity isn’t just a buzzword.
—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Stand strong in your plans and strategies for 2026 even if February and early March bring some discouragement.
—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discouragement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouragement
Noun
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Detainees had little access to recreational activities and time outside, which mental health experts say exacerbates their despair.
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Whether the episode amounted to anything beyond hearsay amid the ubiquitous sense of mass confusion and despair remains a question mark.
Noun
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Colonists down south, especially fierce New England Protestants who took a dim view of Catholicism, viewed this act – and their new fellow imperial subjects – with dismay and considerable suspicion.
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The decision to wean, much to the dismay of many, can come from either party.
Cite this Entry
“Discouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouragement. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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