ENGLISH
REFERENCE

discouraging

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //dɪˈskɝədʒɪŋ// UK //dɪskˈʌɹɪdʒɪŋ// dis·cour·ag·ing

adj. making you feel less confident or less hopeful about something. It describes a situation that makes you want to stop trying.

adj. causing a loss of confidence, enthusiasm, or spirit. Often used to describe feedback, results, or environmental factors that impede motivation.


SIMPLE

The low test scores were very discouraging for the students.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the discouraging news about the budget cuts, the team decided to continue their research.

COMPLEX

The initial lack of public interest was discouraging, yet the artist persisted until her work finally gained the recognition it deserved from the local community.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'feel'.

Pitfall

I feel discouraging about my progress.I feel discouraged about my progress.Use 'discouraging' for the thing that causes the feeling and 'discouraged' for the person experiencing the feeling.

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