encouraging

adjective

en·​cour·​ag·​ing in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ 

-ˈkə-ri-, 

en-

: giving hope or promise

encouraging news

encouragingly

in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ-lē 

-ˈkə-ri-, 

en-

adverb

Synonyms of encouraging

• promising
• bright
• optimistic

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

Paul Taylor Sunderland Sunderland’s pre-season has gradually improved, as defeats to Liverpool and Leeds have given way to encouraging performances, and wins, against Wrexham and Lens. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The story is less encouraging for those trying to break into the job market and for those who lost their jobs and are looking for new work. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Survivorship Is the Honest Metric The shift toward survivorship is the most encouraging development in years. — Daniel Schlaepfer, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Falling inflation is generally an encouraging sign for mortgage rates, but that doesn't mean home loan rates will immediately drop every time inflation does. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for encouraging

• discouraging