English Reference

Word

encouraging

Phoneticsen·cour·ag·ing, stress on the second syllable

US/ɛnˈkɝɪdʒɪŋ/

UK/ɛnkˈʌɹɪdʒɪŋ/

Definitions

01giving hope

B1 · Intermediate

adj. giving you hope or confidence that something good will happen.

adj. providing hope, confidence, or a sense of auspiciousness regarding future outcomes.

“The doctor gave us some encouraging news about my grandfather's health.”

“The initial quarterly results were highly encouraging, suggesting that the new marketing strategy was finally gaining traction in the European market.”

Synonyms

promisinghearteninghopeful

02supportive

B1 · Intermediate

adj. showing support and telling someone they are doing a good job.

adj. acting to support or motivate others through positive reinforcement.

“My teacher was very encouraging when I was struggling with my essay.”

“A more encouraging management style often leads to higher employee retention than a purely results-driven approach.”

Antonyms

criticalunsupportive

03the act of supporting

B1 · Intermediate

v. the '-ing' form of the verb 'encourage', used to describe the act of giving support.

v. the present participle or gerund of 'encourage', used to describe the ongoing action of providing motivation or support.

“By encouraging her students to speak, the teacher helped them gain confidence.”

“Encouraging local investment has become a primary objective for the regional council this fiscal year.”

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “encouraging” in context.

Verb

01. find the results encouraging

“Investors found the quarterly results encouraging despite the global downturn.”

verb + noun + adj

02. sound encouraging

“The feedback from the focus group sounds encouraging for our new product line.”

verb + adj

Adjective

03. encouraging news

“We received some encouraging news regarding your application status this morning.”

adj + noun

04. encouraging signs

“Economists have noted several encouraging signs that the market is finally stabilizing.”

adj + noun

05. encouraging to see

“It is encouraging to see such a diverse group of applicants for the leadership role.”

adj + infinitive

Adverb

06. deeply encouraging

“It was deeply encouraging to see so many young people volunteering for the project.”

adv + adj

07. highly encouraging

“The initial results of the clinical trial are highly encouraging for the research team.”

adv + adj

08. encouraging people

Real-World Examples

“I followed relevant content, including several of the Haraga profiles, and soon my feed was swamped with videos and content encouraging travel to Ceuta.”
BBC News 14 Aug 2026
“Although reliable population data remains limited, conservationists say there are encouraging signs in Awka-Etiti, with local engagement helping residents become vigilant against outside hunters.”
BBC News 12 Aug 2026
“This seems like an encouraging sign that, under the right conditions, it is easy for life to get started.”
The Guardian 11 Aug 2026
“It says tackling the promotion of less healthy food and drink, increasing exercise and encouraging people to eat healthier options are all important for addressing obesity.”
BBC News 7 Aug 2026

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Common
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/encouraging

English Reference