discourage

verb

dis·​cour·​age di-ˈskər-ij How to pronounce discourage (audio)
-ˈskə-rij
discouraged; discouraging
Synonyms of discourage

transitive verb

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
discourageable
di-ˈskər-i-jə-bəl How to pronounce discourage (audio)
-ˈskə-ri-
adjective
discourager noun
discouragingly
di-ˈskər-i-jiŋ-lē How to pronounce discourage (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-
adverb

Synonyms of discourage

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lesley Lewis, who has run the French House pub in Soho for 37 years, said discouraging that tradition would only drive customers to other parts of the city. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Some have also argued that concerns about being perceived as racist discouraged earlier scrutiny of the allegations. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 And as health secretary, Kennedy has reportedly tried to discourage Ohio’s governor from cracking down on kratom products. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026 Officials have argued the legislation will expand housing options for families who lost their homes while reconstruction continues, replacing legal restrictions that many property owners said had discouraged rentals for years. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discourage

Word History

Etymology

Middle English discoragen, from Middle French descorager, from Old French descoragier, from des- dis- + corage courage

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of discourage was in the 15th century

Rhymes for discourage

See All Rhymes for discourage

Browse Nearby Words

discount rate
discourage
discouragedly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discourage. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

discourage

verb
dis·​cour·​age dis-ˈkər-ij How to pronounce discourage (audio)
-ˈkə-rij
discouraged; discouraging
1
: to lessen the courage or confidence of : dishearten
didn't let losing discourage me
2
a
: to make less likely or appealing : deter
laws that discourage speeding
b
: to advise against a course of action : dissuade
discouraged careless work
discouragingly
-iŋ-lē How to pronounce discourage (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on discourage

Nglish: Translation of discourage for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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