encouraging

adjective

en·​cour·​ag·​ing in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ How to pronounce encouraging (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-,
en-
: giving hope or promise
encouraging news
encouragingly
in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ-lē How to pronounce encouraging (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-
en-
adverb

Examples of encouraging in a Sentence

We've just heard some encouraging news. encouraging signs that the economy is improving
Recent Examples on the Web That’s why the rapidly evolving counter-drone technology sector is so critical and encouraging. Jeff Wong, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Fans got a chance to see Sandoval get emotional in last week’s episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test when his mother shared her encouraging words. Lanford Beard, Peoplemag, 28 Nov. 2023 An encouraging detail: More than 60 percent of Bread’s medical patients met their blood pressure targets. John Kelly, Washington Post, 12 Nov. 2023 The European Union’s executive arm recommended on Wednesday that the bloc open membership talks with Ukraine, an encouraging step for the government in Kyiv in what remains a long and arduous joining process. Monika Pronczuk, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2023 The signs, city officials said, were both encouraging and a reminder of the challenges to come. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023 For those wondering if now is a good time to retire, here’s some encouraging news: The 4% rule is back. Anne Tergesen, WSJ, 13 Nov. 2023 Their material composition alone casted a doubt on the quality, and the first try-on experiences did not seem encouraging. Shelcy Joseph, Essence, 10 Nov. 2023 There’s more encouraging progress in the effort to lighten up wine by reducing the weight of bottles. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'encouraging.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of encouraging was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near encouraging

Cite this Entry

“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouraging. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on encouraging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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