Word
demoralizing
Phoneticsde·mor·al·iz·ing, stress on the second syllable
/dɪˈmɔɹəˌɫaɪzɪŋ/
UK spelling · demoralising
Definition
adj. making you lose hope, confidence, or energy, so you feel like giving up.
adj. causing a loss of confidence, hope, or morale in a person or group. Often describes setbacks, criticism, or conditions that weaken motivation to continue.
Examples
“Losing every game is demoralizing for the team.”
“It is demoralizing to work hard for months and receive no feedback from your manager.”
“Repeated rejections can be deeply demoralizing, slowly eroding even the most determined applicant's belief that effort will eventually be rewarded.”
Examples
simple
“Losing every game is demoralizing for the team.”
contextual
“It is demoralizing to work hard for months and receive no feedback from your manager.”
complex
“Repeated rejections can be deeply demoralizing, slowly eroding even the most determined applicant's belief that effort will eventually be rewarded.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs ('is demoralizing') and attributively before nouns ('a demoralizing loss').
Real-World Examples
“Going to the GP every single day is incredibly demoralizing," she added.” “In their collective response to Ms. Lyons, the headteachers stated: "Each school is in a distinct situation, and a sweeping directive to 'find another 10 percent savings' is both demoralizing and frustrating.” “Environmental activist Greta Thunberg's discourse on climate change was overly pessimistic and demoralizing for young people, LVMH boss Bernard Arnault said on Wednesday, as the group behind brands like Louis Vuitton raised its "green" goals.” “It is a bit demoralizing to realize that after delivering the same message for decades - that the world needs a rules-based monetary system - we have made virtually no progress," Trump economic adviser Judy Shelton said to the crowd gathered in the Cato Institute's F.A.” 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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