Synonyms of discouraging

discouraging 1 of 2

adjective

as in demoralizing

Related Words

• demoralizing
• disheartening
• dismaying
• disconcerting
• daunting
• dispiriting
• troublesome
• troubling
• upsetting
• disturbing
• worrisome
• unsettling
• disquieting
• discomfiting
• distressing
• frightening
• nagging
• discomforting
• perturbing
• scary
• troublous
• chilling
• alarming
• discomposing
• nasty
• terrifying
• fearful
• terrible
• shocking
• horrible
• harassing
• horrifying
• forbidding
• persecutory
• formidable
• dreadful
• ghastly
• dread
• horrendous
• intimidating
• dire
• persecutive
• frightful
• fearsome
• direful
• hair-raising

Dissimilar Words

• reassuring
• settling
• soothing
• calming
• comforting
• relaxing
• narcotic
• inviting
• dreamy
• quieting
• sedative
• tranquilizing
• consoling
• lulling
• pacifying

discouraging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of discourage

1

as in frustrating

to lessen the courage or confidence of

I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrating
• disheartening
• daunting
• intimidating
• demoralizing
• frightening
• unnerving
• dispiriting
• dismaying
• scaring
• troubling
• horrifying
• worrying
• bothering
• chilling
• saddening
• trying
• afflicting
• distressing
• weighing
• throwing cold water on
• bullying
• unmanning
• depressing
• browbeating
• undermining
• weakening
• debilitating
• cowing
• deadening
• vexing
• irking
• dampening
• damping
• enfeebling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encouraging
• cheering
• enforcing
• reinforcing
• invigorating
• emboldening
• strengthening
• heartening
• enlivening
• exciting
• nerving
• reassuring
• assuring
• animating
• steeling
• stimulating
• gladdening
• fortifying
• stirring
• lifting
• inspiring
• provoking
• buoying (up)
• energizing
• galvanizing
• boosting
• rallying
• quickening

2

as in dissuading

to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action

the higher fines may help discourage drivers from speeding on the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissuading
• deterring
• inhibiting
• diverting
• unselling
• repelling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encouraging
• persuading
• urging
• exhorting
• prodding
• inducing
• prompting
• goading
• impelling
• egging (on)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discouraging

Adjective

Despite the discouraging landscape, recruiters and career experts say there are still ways for recent graduates to stand out. — Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Abigail Simon-Hart is all too familiar with these discouraging trends. — Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 25 July 2026

While the Braves have not officially shut the door on either player, the latest update paints a discouraging picture. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Tracy provided another discouraging injury update over the weekend in Anaheim as well, telling reporters that first baseman Triston Casas suffered yet another setback and has been shut down from hitting due to a wrist issue. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026

Still, this was a discouraging result for anyone wearing yellow in Kansas City. — Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026

The Chicago Blackhawks needed plenty after a discouraging 2024-25 season. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

Siri’s walk-off single in the 10th gave the Angels a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night, saving the Angels from what would have been a discouraging loss on a night when Detmers dominated. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 11 June 2026

This week marked a discouraging milestone for American motorists. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 20 May 2026

Verb

Lesley Lewis, who has run the French House pub in Soho for 37 years, said discouraging that tradition would only drive customers to other parts of the city. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Pushing for transparency and justice for victims can be discouraging, as files continue to be released with victims' names but often without those of the accused. — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

The education system established by the colonial government aimed to assimilate Māori into the burgeoning new society by discouraging the use of the native language, leading to a widespread decline in its use. — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

In 2023, the city-state’s Ministry of Home Affairs shared a release specifically discouraging citizens from wearing or displaying articles that address the Israel-Palestine conflict. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026

Those instructions create panic while discouraging outside advice. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026

The story publicizing the divorce ran three weeks after Holscher sent the message discouraging interference in the primary. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

And furthermore, shouldn’t the federal government be promoting public service, such as teaching, rather than discouraging it? — Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

The goal should be an ethics system that protects the public while discouraging abuse for political purposes. — Eric "doc" Stelnicki, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026