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

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

Many applicants report having to manually re-enter details already contained within their resume, creating a repetitive and discouraging experience. — Bybryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

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

In another discouraging signal, price increases accelerated by more in April than economists expected even after excluding gasoline and food costs. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026

The first half of this homestand has been particularly discouraging because the Phillies, though rich in talent, came to Miami at 12-19 before winning three of four at loanDepot Park. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026

Verb

Sadly, in discouraging all the phantom agonies, FIFA inadvertently seems to have done away with the equally farcical phenomenon that is Magic Spray®. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026

For him, discouraging such behavior is a preventative measure that can help reduce human trafficking. — Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

Flower theft has been a problem in years past, Department of Public Works director Michael Gallagher told Mass Live, and has proved discouraging for some. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

The data can seem discouraging, but there are still many signs of progress being made. — Gregory McDonald, STAT, 13 July 2026

The article highlights how women often receive discouraging feedback for risk-taking, unlike men, which can hinder their pursuit of leadership roles. — Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Novels are, of course, alive in the sense that they are still being written and published, but the data for their long-term vitality is discouraging. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026

The station demoted one anchor and began discouraging its reporters from pursuing political stories that could draw attention to the station in favor of human interest stories, The Associated Press reported at the time. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 July 2026

Some sites are ‘lost forever’ The list of sites in the heart of Miami that have been found, only to be lost again, is at the same time discouraging and startling. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026