discourage
verb (used with object)
to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.
are discouraging
-
present progressiveof discourage.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The soaring costs of building materials, high interest rates, labor shortages and long waits for equipment are discouraging construction projects like Mitchell’s.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
Child health experts say "practical or logistical reasons" are discouraging families more often than fears over the vaccines.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2025
Although recent test scores are discouraging, the elementary school that the foundation started, the I Promise School, specializes in serving at-risk children.
From Salon ● Apr. 20, 2024
However, in the short term, the higher rates are discouraging would-be buyers and renovators.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 14, 2023
That starts the ten thousandth argument between Autumn and her parents about whether the dad jokes are discouraging her friends from coming to visit her.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
