encouraging

adjective

en·​cour·​ag·​ing in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ How to pronounce encouraging (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-,
en-
: giving hope or promise
encouraging news
encouragingly
in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ-lē How to pronounce encouraging (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-
en-
adverb

Examples of encouraging in a Sentence

We've just heard some encouraging news. encouraging signs that the economy is improving
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
While the statement was viewed as an encouraging sign that the bilateral trade talks are progressing, economists cautioned that the lack of details had left much in doubt, including what criteria Beijing will use to evaluate the application for exporting rare earth magnets. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 June 2025 Incremental Progress Beats Standing Still National trends are encouraging, but public charging reliability still varies widely depending on geography, network operator, and compatibility between vehicle and infrastructure. Stacy Noblet, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Is that encouraging to someone like you who’s also been in the game for a little bit at this point? Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 30 June 2025 The track record for pitchers returning to their previous performance level after a second such surgery is not encouraging. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for encouraging

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of encouraging was in 1593

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouraging. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on encouraging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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