demoralizing
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪˈmɔːrəlaɪzɪŋ/
KK: /dɪˈmɔːrəlaɪzɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing someone to lose confidence or hope; making them feel discouraged.
Example
The team's loss was demoralizing, leaving the players feeling defeated.
Conversation
I felt really demoralizing after that game last night.
Yeah, I saw how upset you were.
It just seemed like nothing was going right for us.
I get that, but we can learn from it and come back stronger!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
disheartening
discouraging
dismaying
Antonyms
encouraging
uplifting
inspiring
verb
Definition
To make someone lose confidence or hope, often by making them feel defeated or discouraged.
Example
The constant criticism from his coach was demoralizing for the young athlete.
Tense Forms
Past: demoralized
Past Participle: demoralized
Conversation
I felt so demoralizing after that last game.
I know what you mean; losing can really take a toll on your confidence.
Exactly! It's hard to stay motivated when things feel so demoralizing.
Root Explanation
Demoralizing → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "moral" (from Latin "moralis", meaning relating to character or ethics) and the suffix "-izing" (indicating the process of making). The word "demoralizing" means the process of taking away someone's morale or spirit, leading to a state of discouragement.
Memory Tip
Think of 'taking down' ('de-') someone's 'character' or 'ethics' ('moral') — that's why demoralizing means to lower someone's spirit.
Visually Confused Words
unmoralizing
moralizingly