disheartening

USAGE SUMMARY

'disheartening' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is discouraging or depressing. For example: "It's disheartening to see how much plastic pollution there is in the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Undemocratic actions, such as abductions, intimidation and torture by the state against activists, are disheartening when the lives of the Zimbabweans are becoming even more difficult due to the government's failure to arrest the worsening socio-economic challenges in the country," the group said.

The Guardian

This is disheartening: Even with just 10 total patients treated for Ebola in this country and no transmission from a medical aid worker to another person on US soil, politicians are still escalating anxieties and giving the public permission to discriminate, stigmatize and even hate aid workers like me.

The Guardian - Opinion

The way a portion of their supporters reacted to the news was as disheartening as it was predictable: they went online and gloated.

The Guardian - Sport

It's disheartening to think of Mr Barbour as a national candidate.

The Economist

If the UN has concerns about the safety of its personnel it should be exploring all possible options.MIKE BORLACEConakry, GuineaPanic measuresSIR It is disheartening to read of the panic measures various bureaucratic politicians are taking with cattle suspected of being infected with foot-and-mouth disease ("Foot, mouth, farm, subsidy", March 17th).

The Economist

Now the public in Britain, which has the second-largest contingent in Afghanistan, is agonising over the country's role in the war after a dreadful month in Helmand (see article).After eight years of disheartening warfare, it is tempting to see NATO's mission as a repeat of past misadventures in the Hindu Kush.

The Economist

But the change is disheartening for two reasons.First, it shows the immense power wielded by health insurers.

The Economist

"It has been disheartening to see some commentators still writing as if poverty were simply a matter of values," Mr Krugman writes, "as if the poor just mysteriously make bad choices and all would be well if they adopted middle-class values".

The Economist

Having worked in the industry in Australia and overseas, it has been disheartening to witness Telstra's attempt to reverse the direction of Australia's wholesale telecoms market and its pleading for special exemptions from Australia's general antitrust legislation.

The Economist

It is disheartening to watch and in the weeks before Texas and Ohio, as Mr Obama garnered most of the media coverage, the tenor of the campaign seemed noticeably different, almost pleasant.

The Economist

Back up the dirt road in Georgetown is the one activity that can really pay in this vast expanse of trees: cutting them down for timber.The world's tropical forests continue to disappear with disheartening speed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disheartening", consider the strength of the emotion you want to convey. While it suggests a loss of morale, it's not as strong as 'devastating' or 'crushing'.

Common error

Avoid using "disheartening" when a stronger word is needed to convey the gravity of a situation. For example, in situations of extreme tragedy, "devastating" or "tragic" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disheartening" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that causes a loss of morale or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "disheartening" is a versatile term used to describe situations or events that cause a loss of morale or enthusiasm. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms that it is a grammatically correct and frequently used word, as supported by numerous examples from diverse sources, including news outlets, business publications, and encyclopedias. While "disheartening" is suitable for various contexts, it's essential to consider the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey and choose a word that accurately reflects the situation. Alternatives like "discouraging", "depressing", and "dismaying" offer subtle differences in meaning that can enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discouraging

Similar meaning; it describes something that makes someone lose confidence or enthusiasm.

depressing

Similar meaning; it describes something that makes someone feel utterly dejected or despondent.

dismaying

Highlights the feeling of shock and disappointment caused by something unexpected.

saddening

Focuses on the emotional impact of something causing sorrow or unhappiness.

unsettling

Implies a feeling of unease or disturbance, rather than outright sadness.

bleak

Suggests a lack of hope or optimism about a situation or future prospect.

unpromising

Indicates little prospect of success or positive outcome.

grim

Conveys a sense of seriousness and lack of cheerfulness.

disappointing

Focuses on the feeling of unmet expectations.

frustrating

Highlights the feeling of being prevented from achieving a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "disheartening" in a sentence?

You can use "disheartening" to describe something that causes a loss of morale or enthusiasm, such as: "It's "disappointing" to see so few people attending the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "disheartening"?

Alternatives include "discouraging", "depressing", or "dismaying". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "disheartening" formal or informal?

"Disheartening" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "disheartening" and "frustrating"?

"Disheartening" implies a loss of hope or enthusiasm, while "frustrating" suggests being blocked from achieving a goal. A situation can be both, but they highlight different aspects of the experience.