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
Overseed and fertilize thinning areas of your lawn to discourage henbit.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
New launches of critical medicines are at stake, as prices and regulations discourage companies from launching them on the continent.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026
Long-term security and stability are needed right now Friday's inflation report wasn't the only discouraging economic news as of late.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Nick Serrano, Gloria’s deputy chief of staff, says there has also been a concerted effort by the administration to discourage department heads from hiring program managers and program coordinators unless absolutely necessary.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
New launches of critical medicines are at stake, as prices and regulations discourage companies from launching them on the continent.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026
Long-term security and stability are needed right now Friday's inflation report wasn't the only discouraging economic news as of late.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Nick Serrano, Gloria’s deputy chief of staff, says there has also been a concerted effort by the administration to discourage department heads from hiring program managers and program coordinators unless absolutely necessary.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discourage. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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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