discouragement

[dih-skur-ij-muhnt, -skuhr-] / dɪˈskɜr ɪdʒ mənt, -ˈskʌr- /

NOUN

despondency

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hopelessness pessimism

STRONG

dejection depression despair disappointment discomfiture dismay downheartedness melancholy sadness

WEAK

cold feet loss of confidence low spirits the blues

Antonyms

STRONG

cheer cheerfulness confidence encouragement happiness hopefulness joy

WEAK

catalyst incentive

NOUN

restraint

Synonyms

STRONG

bar constraint curb damper deterrent disincentive hindrance impediment obstacle opposition rebuff setback

Antonyms

STRONG

advance advantage aid assistance blessing encouragement help

WEAK

catalyst cheerfulness happiness hopefulness incentive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These mistakes, he argues, could lead to stigma and discouragement within local communities as they feel helpless.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

While ChatGPT occasionally offered discouragement, only the chatbots from Snap and Anthropic reliably refused these requests, according to the researchers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

The moments of discouragement are so heavy in this industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

I want to address the discouragement and fear that many who care about democracy and peace and human rights are feeling in America and around the world right now.

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2025

The last few fields, furthermore, became increasingly muddy and I deliberately refrained from shining my lamp on to my shoes and turn-ups for fear of further discouragement.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

discouragement

Example Sentences

Related Words