Meaning & Definition of word "Discouragement"
Discouragement
/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/
noun:
- 1. The feeling of having lost confidence or enthusiasm; a state of being disheartened.
- Example: After several failed attempts, she was filled with discouragement and considered giving up.
- 2. An act of discouraging someone or something; a barrier to motivation.
- Example: His discouragement of her ambitions made her question her abilities.
- 3. A person or thing that discourages.
- Example: The discouragement from his peers led him to reconsider his goals.
Etymology
●From the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'opposite' and 'courage' referring to confidence and spirit.
Common Phrases and Expressions
a source of discouragement:
Something that causes a loss of confidence or enthusiasm.
discouragement by setbacks:
Feeling discouraged due to failures or obstacles encountered.
Related Words
courage:
The ability to do something that frightens one.
encouragement:
The action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
discourage:
To cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm.
Slang Meanings of discouragement
Meaning: Feeling low
● Example Sentence: I’m in a feeling low phase after that news.
Meaning: Down in the dumps
● Example Sentence: He’s been down in the dumps ever since his project was rejected.