discourage
verb
dis·cour·age
di-ˈskər-ij 
-ˈskə-rij
discouraged; discouraging
1
: to deprive of courage or confidence : dishearten
was discouraged by repeated failure
2
a
: to hinder by disfavoring
trying to discourage absenteeism
b
: to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something
tried to discourage her from going
discourager
noun
Examples of discourage in a Sentence
Try not to let losing discourage you.
The area's dry climate discourages agriculture.
He claims the new regulations will discourage investment.
That type of behavior ought to be discouraged.
Recent Examples on the Web
Emotional illiteracy, disconnection from the body and organizational cultures that discourage vulnerability reinforce this divide.
—
Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
In subtropical South Florida, the days can get so hot that the rising mercury might actually discourage pollen production.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Measurements of economic growth that accounted for the environmental costs of fossil fuels might have discouraged this enormous dependence.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
In reality, while the nuns often cannot help but overhear conversations, they are directed to respect the secrecy and are discouraged from playing any sort of role in the decision process.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
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Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
In subtropical South Florida, the days can get so hot that the rising mercury might actually discourage pollen production.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Measurements of economic growth that accounted for the environmental costs of fossil fuels might have discouraged this enormous dependence.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
In reality, while the nuns often cannot help but overhear conversations, they are directed to respect the secrecy and are discouraged from playing any sort of role in the decision process.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discourage. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discourage
verb
dis·cour·age
dis-ˈkər-ij
-ˈkə-rij
discouraged; discouraging
1
: to lessen the courage or confidence of : dishearten
didn't let losing discourage me
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