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

Besides SpaceX’s profit report showing strength for AI spending, another encouraging signal for the industry came from Super Micro Computer, which sells AI servers and services. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Credit performance was particularly encouraging given concerns that elevated oil prices and inflation could pressure consumers. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

It's also been studied for its cardiovascular and hypertension benefits, with encouraging results. — New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026

The early results have been encouraging, but that doesn’t mean Target is done listening and looking to improve the experience for people. — Ted Kitterman, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for encouraging

• discouraging