discourage

verb

dis·​cour·​age di-ˈskər-ij 

-ˈskə-rij

discouraged; discouraging

transitive verb

1

: to deprive of courage or confidence : dishearten

was discouraged by repeated failure

2

a

: to hinder by disfavoring

trying to discourage absenteeism

b

: to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something

tried to discourage her from going

discourageable

di-ˈskər-i-jə-bəl 

-ˈskə-ri-

adjective

discourager noun

discouragingly

di-ˈskər-i-jiŋ-lē 

-ˈkə-ri-

adverb

Synonyms of discourage

• frustrate
• intimidate
• daunt
• frighten

Examples of discourage in a Sentence

Try not to let losing discourage you.

The area's dry climate discourages agriculture.

He claims the new regulations will discourage investment.

That type of behavior ought to be discouraged.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation said this is done to discourage unlicensed deer hunting in Oklahoma, especially by non-resident deer hunters. — Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 22 Sep. 2026

If millions still want children but are discouraged from having them, then the fertility slump marks a substantial social failure. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Either properly discouraged by the police presence or too damned hot to fight, people largely behaved. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026

Some use water, while others use citronella to discourage barking. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English discoragen, from Middle French descorager, from Old French descoragier, from des- dis- + corage courage

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for discourage

• demurrage
• encourage
• burrage
• courage

Kids Definition

discourage

verb

dis·​cour·​age dis-ˈkər-ij 

-ˈkə-rij

discouraged; discouraging

1

: to lessen the courage or confidence of : dishearten

didn't let losing discourage me

2

a

: to make less likely or appealing : deter

laws that discourage speeding

b

: to advise against a course of action : dissuade

discouraged careless work

discouragingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb