discouragement

noun

di-ˈskər-ij-mənt How to pronounce discouragement (audio)
Definition of discouragementnext
as in despair
the state of being discouraged I tried desperately to avoid discouragement after failing the bar exam twice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The bigger risk, according to the research, is the discouragement that leads people to stop trying entirely. — Allison Palmer updated June 13, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026 However, according to our survey, nearly 80% of employees don't go through any kind of accommodation request process, stating concerns about retaliation or active discouragement from leadership. — Seth Turner, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 More than 100 Manus employees moved into Meta’s Singapore offices in early March, CNBC has learned, signaling the controversial AI business deal has moved ahead despite Beijing’s discouragement. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026 Be aware that this discouragement might not be based on solid facts, but rather on disappointed hopes and wishes. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discouragement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouragement
  1. despair
  2. dismay
Noun
  • The case against despair Not everyone reads the data that way.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Finding no legal recourse in a city with a crooked police department and judiciary, Matt gives in to despair.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of despair
Noun
  • When news got around that a new movie version of Sense and Sensibility was in the works, cries of dismay rang forth from Bath to Brooklyn.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • To his dismay, many of the exultant people in cowboy hats, burnt orange T-shirts and other spirit gear appeared to be of South Asian heritage.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of dismay

Browse Nearby Words

discouraged
discouragement
discourages
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Cite this Entry

“Discouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouragement. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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