discouraged: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in written and spoken contexts. Less frequent in very casual conversation where 'gutted', 'down', or 'put off' might be used.
Quick answer
What does “discouraged” mean?
Having lost confidence or enthusiasm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having lost confidence or enthusiasm; feeling that something is not worthwhile or is unlikely to succeed.
Can describe both a temporary emotional state (feeling disheartened) and a more general attitude of being deterred from action due to perceived obstacles or lack of prospects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slightly more frequent in American self-help/business contexts discussing resilience. The adjective 'disheartened' is a near-synonym used slightly more in UK English.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Carries a connotation of a temporary setback rather than a permanent condition. In motivational contexts, it can be framed as an obstacle to overcome.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties. The verb 'discourage' (from which this is derived) is commonly used in formal warnings or advice.
Grammar
How to Use “discouraged” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be/become/feel + discouraged[Subject] + be/become/feel + discouraged + by + [Noun Phrase/Gerund][Subject] + be/become/feel + discouraged + from + [Gerund]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “discouraged” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The relentless rain discouraged us from having a picnic.
- He was actively discouraged from pursuing art by his tutors.
American English
- The high costs discouraged any further investment.
- We don't want to discourage innovation with too many regulations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to employees or teams losing motivation due to market setbacks, failed projects, or lack of recognition.
Academic
Used to describe researchers or students facing persistent experimental failures or challenging concepts.
Everyday
Commonly used when talking about personal goals, hobbies, job searches, or fitness regimes where progress stalls.
Technical
In economics, a 'discouraged worker' is a specific classification for those no longer seeking employment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “discouraged”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “discouraged”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discouraged”
- Using 'discouraged' as a verb (the verb is 'discourage'). Incorrect: *'It discouraged me a lot.' Correct: 'I was/Felt very discouraged by it.'
- Confusing 'discouraged' (adjective describing state) with 'discouraging' (adjective describing cause).
- Overusing in informal chat where simpler words like 'down about it' fit better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Disappointment focuses on sadness from unmet expectations (e.g., a cancelled event). Discouragement focuses on lost confidence/enthusiasm to continue an action due to difficulty or failure (e.g., giving up on learning an instrument after slow progress).
Primarily a temporary emotional state or reaction. While one can have a 'discouraged outlook', it's not typically used as a permanent personality descriptor like 'pessimistic'.
Rarely directly. However, it can be part of a positive narrative frame: 'She was discouraged at first, but then...' highlights subsequent resilience.
The passive participle/adjectival pattern: 'be/become/feel/get discouraged by something' or 'discouraged from doing something'.
Having lost confidence or enthusiasm.
Discouraged is usually neutral to formal; common in written and spoken contexts. less frequent in very casual conversation where 'gutted', 'down', or 'put off' might be used. in register.
Discouraged: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈkʌr.ɪdʒd/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈkɜːr.ɪdʒd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't get discouraged (common phrase of encouragement)”
- “A discouraged worker (formal economic term for someone who has stopped looking for work)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dismounted knight whose 'courage' has been taken away (dis- + courage), leaving him feeling low.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION IS A FLUID IN A CONTAINER (He was filled with discouragement). / PROGRESS IS A JOURNEY (Setbacks on the road left him discouraged).
Practice
Quiz
In an economic report, the term 'discouraged worker' specifically refers to someone who: