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
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
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
Super Group believed its global Betway brand and marketing deals with 10 NBA and NHL franchises and on Ted Lasso would draw in Americans, but found high taxes a discouragement in some markets and marketing spending too fierce in others.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discouragement
Tim Hanstad, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2016
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
Super Group believed its global Betway brand and marketing deals with 10 NBA and NHL franchises and on Ted Lasso would draw in Americans, but found high taxes a discouragement in some markets and marketing spending too fierce in others.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discouragement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouragement
Noun
-
Magnificent heroes of delicacy and seduction, Anouk Aimée and Jean-Louis Trintignant forever illuminate the film of our lives, like these two posters, whose colors express the intensity of a passionate love that triumphs over despair.—
Patrick Hipes,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The most heartbreaking thing about this highly heartbreaking scene, to me, is how Ramsey communicates Ellie’s despair at realizing there’s no time to fix things between them.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Much to his dismay, though, the Elimination Challenge is to create a tasting menu based on pickles — a food Tristen apparently loathes.—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
-
To June's dismay, her best friend is also determined to stay back and fight.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouragement. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share