encouraging

1 of 2

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

encouraging

2 of 2

present participle of encourage

Synonyms of encouraging

Adjective

• promising
• bright
• optimistic

Examples of encouraging in a Sentence

Adjective

We've just heard some encouraging news.

encouraging signs that the economy is improving

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Ten games have revealed a team capable of controlling the defensive glass, forcing turnovers and getting encouraging production from its younger players. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026

Particularly encouraging for Seifman was that bookings were diversified across missiles, radar and other electronic-warfare technologies. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026

According to Alex, Walliams could be kind, encouraging, and supportive of her comedy ambitions, but also curt and cold. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2026

While the latest increase is encouraging, officials say continued monitoring, research and habitat management will be essential to ensuring the Devils Hole pupfish survives for generations to come. — Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for encouraging

• discouraging