discourage
verb (used with object)
to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.
has discouraged
-
present perfectof discourage (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the 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.
A combination of high mortgage rates, years of tight housing supply and record-high prices has discouraged many would-be first-time buyers and repeat buyers.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026
The secluded beauty spot sold at auction for £20,000 in September 2024 to Leisure Estate Investments Ltd, which has discouraged public access because of "inherent safety risks".
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026
Kent said he has discouraged that since those borrowers will just have to change plans again in a couple of years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
However, that has raised the ire of Beijing, which has discouraged its companies from buying Nvidia chips.
From Barron's ● Dec. 5, 2025
It is perhaps this very reason that has discouraged them and has led them to strive to attain unto beatitude, not by perfecting, but by destroying humanity.
From India's Problem, Krishna or Christ by John P. (John Peter) Jones
