discourage
verb (used with object)
to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.
have discouraged
-
present perfectof discourage.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.
As anti-AI sentiment has risen, some companies have discouraged staff from wearing corporate logos because of the risk of attacks from members of the public.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
The influx of nutrients from the landslide may have supported these communities, while the release of toxic sulfur compounds could have discouraged other marine life from disturbing them.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 3, 2026
Gavaskar said he understood Vettori may not have understood the dynamic but that the franchise owner should have discouraged the purchase.
From BBC ● Mar. 16, 2026
This has been a difficult year for home sellers in many U.S. markets, while tough times for job seekers have discouraged some would-be buyers.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 5, 2025
That move would have discouraged me and might have really got me down if Nick hadn’t picked up his game big time.
From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers
