discourage
verb (used with object)
to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.
discouraging
-
present participleof discourage.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
But he said management pressure, procedural shortcuts, discouraging open discussion about risks were ingredients for a poor safety culture.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
It said additional charges risked undermining international competitiveness and discouraging domestic breaks, particularly for families and young people.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026
Offensive line coach Butch Barry must quickly figure out his unit’s direction, as Week 1 of the regular season is less than a month away and Biadasz’s health status appears discouraging.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026
That could undermine the vaccine’s financial viability, a de facto way of discouraging Moderna from continuing to market it.
From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026
We walked to school around walls of bricks and breathed the coal dust for one discouraging winter.
From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
