What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
demoralizing
Example
The team's loss was demoralizing for the players. [demoralizing: adjective]
Example
The constant criticism from her boss was demoralizing her. [demoralizing: verb]
discouraging
Example
The lack of progress was discouraging for the team. [discouraging: adjective]
Example
She was discouraged by the negative feedback on her project. [discouraged: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discouraging is more commonly used than demoralizing in everyday language. Discouraging is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while demoralizing is less common and refers to a specific type of negative experience.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between demoralizing and discouraging?
Both demoralizing and discouraging are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.