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
The de-influencing movement is a social media trend where influencers are discouraging their followers from buying unnecessary products.
From Salon ● Feb. 17, 2025
Jesse Kleine, a British Columbia-based realtor, said huge interest payments are discouraging people from buying a home.
From Reuters ● Mar. 22, 2023
Some experts say government subsidies still tend to target parents who already have children rather than removing difficulties that are discouraging young people from starting families.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 23, 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
