discouragement

noun

dis·​cour·​age·​ment di-ˈskər-ij-mənt 

-ˈkə-rij-

1

: the act of discouraging : the state of being discouraged

2

: something that discourages

Synonyms

• despair
• dismay

Examples of discouragement in a Sentence

the discouragement of drug use among teenagers

She expressed discouragement over the difficulty of finding a good job.

The team's losses have left fans with a feeling of discouragement.

He says that the tax is a discouragement to doing business in this state.

Despite the discouragements of the past week, we need to continue moving forward.

Recent Examples on the Web

Others expressed frustration over technical issues and data loss, compounding feelings of discouragement. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Oct. 2025

Probably, despite Todd’s discouragement. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2025

The gradual combination of these skills helps students avoid most crashes in the long term, leading to less discouragement and frustration. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

So feelings of self-doubt, frustration, and discouragement start to kick in. —Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for discouragement

• encouragement

Kids Definition

discouragement

noun

dis·​cour·​age·​ment dis-ˈkər-ij-mənt 

-ˈkə-rij-

1

: an act of discouraging : the state of being discouraged

2

: something that discourages