discouraging times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discouraging times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe periods or situations that are demoralizing or disheartening. Example: "During these discouraging times, it's important to stay hopeful and support one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In these discouraging times of obstructionist Republicans and feckless Democrats, these students remind me what a great people Americans are and what strong unyielding sense of themselves they have.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Her book is chockablock with good tips and insights, if a bit discouraging at times.

The New York Times

Bad news keeps coming in his niche field, in discouraging economic times for anyone planning to open new house museums.

The New York Times - Arts

I know it's discouraging at times, I know.

Huffington Post

It will be discouraging at times not seeing the immediate results of our work, and as Malcolm Little once said "if it's not going to do something for you and me right here and right now--to hell with that gospel".

Huffington Post

Parents across the Internet rejoiced this week, declaring themselves well rid of "screen time guilt" after an announcement by the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly signaled it will amend media guidelines discouraging screen time for children under two and limiting it to two hours a day for older kids... after the organization's 2016 national conference on the topic.

Huffington Post

There have been times that I've been discouraged, and times when I've just gone out and enjoyed the place — and realized that maybe this would be it.

The New York Times - Magazine

And I was very discouraged at times; it was beyond discouragement — I just completely gave up.

The New Yorker

The thought of them, he said, makes him feel discouraged at times about his future, which, he pointed out, could be a long one.

The New Yorker

Ms Bennett, who says she is "discouraged" at times, responds by simply "trying harder".

BBC

Just about everybody who wakes up early and battles traffic just to get to work feels discouraged at times.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discouraging times", consider the audience and context. It's often appropriate in news or opinion pieces where analysis of current affairs is involved. In more personal or uplifting contexts, consider a more positive reframing.

Common error

Avoid using "discouraging times" in informal settings where a more casual phrase like "tough times" would be more appropriate. The formality of "discouraging times" can feel out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discouraging times" functions as a noun phrase, with "discouraging" acting as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "times". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. It is used to characterize periods or situations lacking optimism.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discouraging times" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe periods lacking optimism or characterized by setbacks. Ludwig confirms this. While infrequent in overall usage, it finds its primary context in news and media. More formal than casual, it’s best suited for analytical discussions of challenging periods. Related phrases offer varying shades of meaning, and careful consideration should be given to register and context when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of the time, emphasizing hardship.

Hard times

A common and direct way to refer to periods of adversity.

Challenging moments

Emphasizes specific instances that are difficult rather than an overarching era.

Depressing era

Highlights the emotional impact of the period, focusing on sadness.

Trying circumstances

Implies a test of resilience and endurance in the current situation.

Adverse conditions

Focuses on the unfavorable aspects and negative impacts of the situation.

Bleak outlook

Describes a pessimistic perspective or expectation for the future.

Gloomy days

Emphasizes the somber and melancholic atmosphere of the period.

Dark period

Conveys a sense of despair and negativity associated with the time.

Disheartening situation

Highlights the aspect of losing morale or hope.

FAQs

What does "discouraging times" mean?

The phrase "discouraging times" refers to periods or situations characterized by a lack of hope, enthusiasm, or confidence. These are often periods marked by setbacks, challenges, or negative trends.

How can I use "discouraging times" in a sentence?

You can use "discouraging times" to describe economic downturns, political unrest, or personal struggles. For example: "During these "challenging times", it's important to remain resilient."

What are some alternatives to "discouraging times"?

Alternatives include "difficult period", "hard times", or "challenging moments" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "discouraging times" a formal or informal expression?

"Discouraging times" leans towards a more formal or neutral register, making it suitable for news articles, academic papers, or professional reports. In casual conversation, phrases like "tough times" might be more appropriate.