discourage
verb (used with object)
to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.
had been discouraging
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past perfect progressiveof discourage.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
“It’s definitely in a lot of guys’ minds, that’s for sure,” said Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, adding that the Cardinals’ news had been discouraging.
From New York Times ● Jul. 31, 2020
He also pointed a finger at the media, suggesting journalists had been discouraging people from attending.
From Slate ● Jun. 20, 2020
For the couple, the process had been discouraging; four years of treatments at three fertility clinics in Maryland and Virginia between 2006 and 2010 and multiple miscarriages.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 1, 2013
But he also believes that a revived black civic culture had been discouraging crime, and priming the ground for an Obama, for years.
From Slate ● Oct. 5, 2011
Perhaps their earlier experiences in this little matter had been discouraging.
From Q.6.a and Other places Recollections of 1916, 1917 and 1918 by Francis Buckley
