encouraging

1 of 2

adjective

en·​cour·​ag·​ing in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ 

-ˈkə-ri-, 

en-

: giving hope or promise

encouraging news

encouragingly

in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ-lē 

-ˈkə-ri-, 

en-

adverb

encouraging

2 of 2

present participle of encourage

Synonyms of encouraging

Adjective

• promising
• bright
• optimistic

Examples of encouraging in a Sentence

Adjective

We've just heard some encouraging news.

encouraging signs that the economy is improving

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Last week’s 28-point performance against a favorable matchup in Dallas was encouraging, but things are about to get considerably tougher. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026

Cleveland Clinic says some early research is encouraging, but black garlic isn’t medicine and shouldn’t replace any treatment your doctor recommends. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

For anyone who spends long days traveling or regularly finds their battery running low before dinner, Apple's early results are encouraging. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Hosley said publicly reported updates about Murphy are showing a very encouraging outcome for the senator. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for encouraging

• discouraging