as in despair
the state of being discouraged
I tried desperately to avoid discouragement after failing the bar exam twice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discouragement
There is also time delays and administrative inconvenience and burden at each step that creates more obstacles and discouragement to voting.
—
Juliana Kim, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
But comparing your financial journey to others’ successes can lead to discouragement.
—Brian Kelly, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Those types of plays transform the Bulls offense — cracking open a defensive setup, sending a jolt of discouragement through an opposing defender.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
And finally, there were the states with no explicit prohibition on agricultural land rentals, but with strong discouragements of rentals through the establishment of lower-than-market maximum rental payments and minimum tenures for all rentals.
—Tim Hanstad, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2016
See All Example Sentences for discouragement
Juliana Kim, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
But comparing your financial journey to others’ successes can lead to discouragement.
—Brian Kelly, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Those types of plays transform the Bulls offense — cracking open a defensive setup, sending a jolt of discouragement through an opposing defender.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
And finally, there were the states with no explicit prohibition on agricultural land rentals, but with strong discouragements of rentals through the establishment of lower-than-market maximum rental payments and minimum tenures for all rentals.
—Tim Hanstad, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2016
See All Example Sentences for discouragement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouragement
Noun
-
Almost two decades later, his family — who spent years grappling with unanswered questions that only fueled their fear and despair — finally learned what happened to him.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
13 June 2025
-
My Guard’s presence tamped down potentially dangerous outbursts of anger and despair.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
Before the jury reached its partial verdict, the jury foreperson expressed dismay to Farber about deliberation proceedings.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
-
When lawmakers expressed dismay that reform wasn’t happening quickly enough, Schiraldi pleaded for patience.—
Racquel Bazos,
Baltimore Sun,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouragement. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share