Word
demoralized
Phoneticsde·mor·al·ized, stress on the second syllable
/dɪˈmɔɹəˌɫaɪzd/
UK spelling · demoralised
Definition
adj. feeling low in confidence and energy after failure, criticism, or hard times. You want to give up because nothing seems to work.
adj. having lost confidence, motivation, or morale after failure, criticism, or hardship. Often follows linking verbs such as 'feel', 'seem', or 'be'.
Examples
“She feels demoralized after losing three games in a row.”
“After weeks of overtime with no thanks from his manager, he feels completely demoralized at work.”
“The team emerged from the failed launch demoralized, not because the idea was weak but because months of effort had gone unnoticed.”
Examples
simple
“She feels demoralized after losing three games in a row.”
contextual
“After weeks of overtime with no thanks from his manager, he feels completely demoralized at work.”
complex
“The team emerged from the failed launch demoralized, not because the idea was weak but because months of effort had gone unnoticed.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “demoralized” in context.
Verb
01. become demoralized
“Many volunteers become demoralized when their efforts go unnoticed.”
verb + adj
02. demoralized after defeat
“The fans were demoralized after the defeat in the final.”
adj + prep + noun
03. demoralized at work
“Many nurses feel demoralized at work due to staff shortages.”
adj + prep + noun
04. demoralized by criticism
“She felt demoralized by constant criticism from her manager.”
adj + prep + noun
05. demoralized by failure
“Too many young athletes feel demoralized by failure instead of learning from it.”
adj + prep + noun
06. feel demoralized
“It's normal to feel demoralized after failing an important exam.”
verb + adj
Adjective
07. deeply demoralized
“After three straight rejections, she felt deeply demoralized about her job search.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. demoralized staff
“The hospital hired counsellors to support demoralized staff.”
adj + noun
09. demoralized team
“The coach tried to motivate a demoralized team before the second half.”
adj + noun
10. demoralized troops
“The general struggled to rally his demoralized troops after the retreat.”
adj + noun
11. demoralized workforce
“Management must rebuild trust with a demoralized workforce.”
adj + noun
12. a demoralized and divided squad
“The new manager inherited a demoralized and divided squad.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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