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

• chill
• daunt
• demoralize
• dishearten
• dismay
• dispirit
• frustrate
• unman
• unnerve

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

Emotional illiteracy, disconnection from the body and organizational cultures that discourage vulnerability reinforce this divide. —Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

In subtropical South Florida, the days can get so hot that the rising mercury might actually discourage pollen production. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025

Measurements of economic growth that accounted for the environmental costs of fossil fuels might have discouraged this enormous dependence. —Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

In reality, while the nuns often cannot help but overhear conversations, they are directed to respect the secrecy and are discouraged from playing any sort of role in the decision process. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

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