discourage
verb
dis·cour·age
di-ˈskər-ij 
-ˈskə-rij
discouraged; discouraging
1
: to deprive of courage or confidence : dishearten
was discouraged by repeated failure
2
a
: to hinder by disfavoring
trying to discourage absenteeism
b
: to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something
tried to discourage her from going
discourager
noun
Synonyms
Examples of discourage in a Sentence
Try not to let losing discourage you.
The area's dry climate discourages agriculture.
He claims the new regulations will discourage investment.
That type of behavior ought to be discouraged.
Recent Examples on the Web
Economists warn mass deportation will likely harm U.S. workers and the economy by discouraging investment, disrupting the labor market and reducing the supply of workers.
—
Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Miami Beach officials have sought to discourage homeless people from gathering on Lincoln Road, including by deactivating electrical outlets to prevent people from charging their phones.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
As governor, Noem joined other Republican governors who sent National Guard troops to Texas to assist in Operation Lone Star, which sought to discourage migrants.
—Rebecca Santana and Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
But the executive did not appear to be discouraged by the current budget situation.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for discourage 
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Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Miami Beach officials have sought to discourage homeless people from gathering on Lincoln Road, including by deactivating electrical outlets to prevent people from charging their phones.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
As governor, Noem joined other Republican governors who sent National Guard troops to Texas to assist in Operation Lone Star, which sought to discourage migrants.
—Rebecca Santana and Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
But the executive did not appear to be discouraged by the current budget situation.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for discourage
Dictionary Entries Near discourage
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discourage. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
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discourage
verb
dis·cour·age
dis-ˈkər-ij
-ˈkə-rij
discouraged; discouraging
1
: to lessen the courage or confidence of : dishearten
didn't let losing discourage me
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