Need another word for Disheartening? Use these synonyms of Disheartening from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
discouraging
dispiriting
depressing
dismal
gloomy
demoralizing
unsettling
disconcerting
unnerving
unheartening
demotivating
uninspiring
unencouraging
hopeless
despairing
despondent
dejecting
deflating
crushing
devastating
spiritless
listless
lethargic
lackluster
uninspiring
unmotivating
disquieting
perturbing
troubling
distressing
upsetting
saddening
heartbreaking
spirit-crushing
morale-sapping
confidence-shaking
faith-shaking
degrading
humiliating
mortifying
embarrassing
shameful
discrediting
demeaning
Meaning of Disheartening
The primary meaning of "disheartening" is to cause someone to lose hope or confidence.
Definitions
- Causing someone to lose hope or confidence
- Having a negative or discouraging effect on someone
Etymology of Disheartening
The word "disheartening" has its roots in the Old English words "dis" (meaning "opposite of" or "not") and "heort" or "heart" (meaning "courage" or "spirit"), with the suffix "-ing" added to form a present participle verb, and later a gerund, and then a noun, and an adjective, and finally the adjective "disheartening" emerged in the 15th century, initially meaning "to deprive of heart or courage" and later "to discourage or depress"
Example Uses
- The disheartening news of the company's bankruptcy made it difficult for employees to stay motivated
- The disheartening defeat in the final game of the season left the team feeling demoralized
- The disheartening lack of progress in the peace talks has led to widespread disillusionment
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
heartening
encouraging
uplifting
inspiring
motivating
reassuring
comforting
satisfying
pleasing
delightful
exhilarating
thrilling
exciting
stimulating
invigorating
energizing
revitalizing
refreshing
renewing
restoring
uplifting
cheering
gladdening
gratifying
pleasing
satisfying