Synonyms of discouragement

discouragement

noun

di-ˈskər-ij-mənt 

as in despair

the state of being discouraged

I tried desperately to avoid discouragement after failing the bar exam twice

Synonyms & Similar Words

• despair
• dismay
• defeatism
• depression
• demoralization
• disheartenment
• despondency
• dejection
• gloom
• melancholy
• dispiritedness
• resignation
• pessimism
• blues
• dumps
• mopes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encouragement
• optimism
• sanguinity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discouragement

The bigger risk, according to the research, is the discouragement that leads people to stop trying entirely. — Allison Palmer updated June 13, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026

However, according to our survey, nearly 80% of employees don't go through any kind of accommodation request process, stating concerns about retaliation or active discouragement from leadership. — Seth Turner, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

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