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Showing results for discouragement.
Definitions

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.

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

They got 40 before discouragement, exhaustion, and, eventually, a torrential downpour forced the group to disband.

From Slate • Oct. 30, 2024

My speech remained the same, but my excitement evaporated into discouragement.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas