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Definition of discouraging

discouraging

/dɪsˈkɝː.ɪ.dʒɪŋ/
dis · cour · ag · ing
Adverb:discouragingly
•
Past Simple:discouraged
•
Past Participle:discouraged
•
Present Participle:discouraging
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discouraging Lexical Profile

discouraging Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing someone to lose confidence, hope, or enthusiasm; disheartenings or unfavorable.

Example

"Despite the discouraging initial test results, the research team continued to refine their methodology."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To cause someone to lose confidence, enthusiasm, or hope (present participle of discourage).

Example

"The steep learning curve was discouraging several beginners from continuing the course."

2

To seek to prevent an action or persuade someone against doing something by showing disapproval or raising difficulties (present participle of discourage).

Example

"New municipal regulations are actively discouraging the use of single-use plastics across the city."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for discouraging
Antonyms
View all antonyms for discouraging

• Rhymes for discouraging

• Nearby Words

discourage
discouragement
discourager
discouraging
discouragingly
discourse
discourser

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Discouraging. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/discouraging
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