discourage
verb
dis·cour·age
di-ˈskər-ij 
-ˈskə-rij
discouraged; discouraging
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
discourager
noun
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
Dimon, a heavyweight of traditional finance, has consistently used his perch to discourage regular investors and other financial leaders from getting involved.
—
Andrew R. Chow, Time, 20 May 2025
To discourage thieves and curiosity seekers, two feet of concrete was poured over his casket.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, takes the opposite view, arguing that the tax might discourage migration by reducing its economic benefit.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Concerns about disruptions, data transfer complications and potential financial knowledge gaps often discourage companies from seeking a more effective and strategic partner.
—Loran Armstrong, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
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Andrew R. Chow, Time, 20 May 2025
To discourage thieves and curiosity seekers, two feet of concrete was poured over his casket.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, takes the opposite view, arguing that the tax might discourage migration by reducing its economic benefit.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Concerns about disruptions, data transfer complications and potential financial knowledge gaps often discourage companies from seeking a more effective and strategic partner.
—Loran Armstrong, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discourage. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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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
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