discourage

verb

dis·​cour·​age di-ˈskər-ij How to pronounce discourage (audio)
-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 adjective
discourager noun
discouragingly adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Several reasons explain the supply shortage, including a lag in home building, rising construction costs and high mortgage rates that discourage current homeowners from moving and giving up their lower rate. Rhaina Cohen, NPR, 28 Sep. 2025 The greater danger is that alarmist messaging will discourage pregnant women from treating pain or fever – putting both themselves and their babies at risk. CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025 Allowing more sunlight in also discourages the growth of mold. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025 Your responsibilities are challenging your joy, but don’t be discouraged. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discourage

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of discourage was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discourage. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

discourage

verb
dis·​cour·​age dis-ˈkər-ij How to pronounce discourage (audio)
-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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on discourage

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