as in despair
the state of being discouraged
I tried desperately to avoid discouragement after failing the bar exam twice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discouragement
But comparing your financial journey to others’ successes can lead to discouragement.
—
Brian Kelly, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Those types of plays transform the Bulls offense — cracking open a defensive setup, sending a jolt of discouragement through an opposing defender.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
And finally, there were the states with no explicit prohibition on agricultural land rentals, but with strong discouragements of rentals through the establishment of lower-than-market maximum rental payments and minimum tenures for all rentals.
—Tim Hanstad, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2016
But comparing your financial journey to others’ successes can lead to discouragement.
—Brian Kelly, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discouragement
Brian Kelly, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Those types of plays transform the Bulls offense — cracking open a defensive setup, sending a jolt of discouragement through an opposing defender.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
And finally, there were the states with no explicit prohibition on agricultural land rentals, but with strong discouragements of rentals through the establishment of lower-than-market maximum rental payments and minimum tenures for all rentals.
—Tim Hanstad, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2016
But comparing your financial journey to others’ successes can lead to discouragement.
—Brian Kelly, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discouragement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouragement
Noun
-
But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
1 June 2025
-
Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.—
Daniel A.C. McBride,
Baltimore Sun,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
If this is what FIFA had in mind when the governing body created the 32-team tournament, much to the initial dismay of players and clubs alike, well, so far so good.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
-
To the dismay of some, and the thrill of others, Bill Gates recently announced his decision to sunset the foundation in 20 years and distribute $200 billion of its assets – and his personal fortune – to achieve three goals: No mom, child, or baby dies of a preventable disease.—
Timothy J. McClimon,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouragement. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share