Definition

The feeling of losing hope or confidence; a state of sadness or disappointment.

Example

After hearing the bad news, she felt a deep sense of disheartenment.

Conversation

I felt a lot of disheartenment after the game yesterday.

Yeah, it was tough to watch them lose like that.

I know, right? It's hard not to feel down after such a defeat.

But we can always cheer them on next time!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Disheartenment → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "hearten" (from Old English "heorþian", meaning to encourage or give heart). The suffix "-ment" (meaning the action or result of) indicates the state of being without heart or encouragement. Thus, disheartenment refers to the state of being deprived of hope or confidence.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'away from' ('dis-') encouragement or 'heart' ('hearten') — that's why disheartenment means losing hope or confidence.

Visually Confused Words