discourage

play

verb dis·cour·age \dis-ˈkər-ij, -ˈkə-rij\

Definition of discourage

discouraged

;

discouraging

transitive verb
1 : to deprive of courage or confidence : dishearten was discouraged by repeated failure
2a : to hinder by disfavoring trying to discourage absenteeismb : to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something tried to discourage her from going

discourageable

play \-jə-bəl\ adjective

discourager

noun

discouragingly

play \-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

See discourage defined for English-language learners

See discourage defined for kids

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 of discourage from the Web

The latter requirement in particular discourages candidates of color who can’t afford to go years without a livable wage in pursuit of a distant dream.

— alex putterman, The Atlantic, "The Forgotten Legacy of Bill Lucas", 4 June 2017
Fewer than 50 catches and 800 yards this season would be discouraging.

— dan wiederer, chicagotribune.com, "With training camp nearing, Bears receiving corps a mess of uncertainty", 3 June 2017
Speakers urged attendees not to be discouraged by the president’s decision, urging them to stay active and even consider running for office.

— perry stein, Washington Post, "Crowds rally at March for Truth in D.C. and dozens of cities", 3 June 2017
For example, the latest rule that discourages SEC football teams from hiring a high school coach as a support staffer.

— AL.com, "SEC spring meetings all about handicapping Alabama", 2 June 2017
Rubin and Hansen said they weren’t discouraged by the outcome.

— pat eaton-robb, The Seattle Times, "State experiments with court advocates for abused animals", 1 June 2017
Hips are the seed pods that, if left on the plant, discourage its ability to re-bloom.

— rita perwich, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Summer rose care: more water, vigilance against pests", 1 June 2017
U.S. inaction on greenhouse gases may eventually discourage other countries from continuing their own efforts to cut back, said Oppenheimer at Princeton.

— jess shankleman, Bloomberg.com, "The World Could Enter Climate ‘Danger Zone’ If Trump Exits Paris Deal", 30 May 2017
But water is now a more expensive resource, and because avocado trees are traditionally not pruned, older trees have dense foliage that discourages fruiting.

— stephanie strom, New York Times, "Your Coffee Is From Where? California?", 26 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'discourage'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of discourage

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

DISCOURAGE Defined for English Language Learners

discourage

play

verb

Definition of discourage for English Language Learners

: to make (someone) less determined, hopeful, or confident
: to make (something) less likely to happen
: to try to make people not want to do (something)

DISCOURAGE Defined for Kids

discourage

play

verb dis·cour·age \dis-ˈkər-ij\

Definition of discourage for Students

discouraged

;

discouraging

1 : to make less determined, hopeful, or confident Yet another failed attempt didn't discourage him.
2 : to make less likely to happen The law discourages speeding.
3 : to try to persuade not to do something Don't let them discourage you from trying out.