Meaning & Definition of word "Disheartening"

Disheartening

/dɪsˈhɑːrtənɪŋ/

adjective:

  • 1. causing someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm; discouraging.
    • Example: The news of the team's loss was disheartening to their supporters.
  • 2. causing a feeling of disappointment or hopelessness.
    • Example: It was disheartening to see so many people disregarding the rules during the event.
  • 3. having the effect of making someone feel demoralized.
    • Example: The constant setbacks in the project were disheartening for the entire team.
  • 4. leading to a reduction in morale or spirit.
    • Example: The disheartening feedback from the judges left the contestants feeling defeated.

Etymology

From 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'away' and 'heartening' from 'heart' + '-ing'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

a disheartening situation:

A scenario that leads to discouragement and loss of hope.

feeling disheartened:

Experiencing a feeling of discouragement.

disheartening news:

Information that causes disappointment or discouragement.

Related Words

discourage:

To cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm.

heartening:

Providing encouragement or joy.

Slang Meanings of disheartening

Meaning: A bummer

Example Sentence: It was a real bummer when the concert got canceled.

Meaning: A downer

Example Sentence: That news about the layoffs was such a downer.