thoroughly discouraging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly discouraging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that completely demotivates or disheartens someone. Example: "The results of the project were thoroughly discouraging, leading the team to reconsider their approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

On the other hand, the narrative was thoroughly discouraging.

The New Yorker

Their search for a co-op for their daughter, Olivia, was thoroughly discouraging.

The New York Times

But alas, in a thoroughly discouraging decision made by the highest court in the land, Aereo was deemed illegal.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They traveled tonight to San Francisco, thoroughly discouraged.

The New York Times - Sports

I left the classroom thoroughly discouraged and determined to change majors, from English to history.

The New York Times

If I have not yet thoroughly discouraged the reader from investing in such bonds, consider this.

Forbes

Outside contact is thoroughly discouraged, though Helen and Edgar occasionally make forays into the world, perhaps a picnic at the beach with a schoolmate or simply running away late at night, with their mother in hot pursuit, determined to drive the kids and their bicycles off the road rather than let them escape.

Huffington Post

Mixed feeding was thoroughly discouraged.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Cleaning the kitchen thoroughly and frequently discourages insects and other pests and prevents the necessity of using pesticides, as most are toxic or allergenic.

WikiHow

How discouraging.

The New York Times

Discouraging news for an already discouraged workforce.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly discouraging" to emphasize a significant and complete sense of discouragement. It's stronger than simply "discouraging".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "thoroughly discouraging" can sound overly dramatic in everyday conversation. Consider using a simpler phrase like "really disappointing" or "very disheartening" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly discouraging" functions as an intensifying adverb modifying an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples show it describing situations that cause significant disappointment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly discouraging" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something profoundly disappointing. Ludwig confirms this, noting that while correct, its use is relatively rare. Its function is to intensify the feeling of discouragement, and it finds its place primarily in news and media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral register. While you can confidently use it, consider whether a simpler or more casual alternative might better suit your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly disheartening

Emphasizes the complete loss of hope or enthusiasm.

completely demoralizing

Focuses on the destruction of morale and confidence.

absolutely crushing

Highlights the devastating impact on one's spirit.

profoundly disappointing

Stresses the depth of the letdown.

deeply frustrating

Emphasizes the intense annoyance and irritation caused.

very discouraging

A more general expression of reduced motivation.

totally uninspiring

Highlights the lack of motivation or creativity.

quite depressing

Focuses on the sadness and gloom induced by the situation.

remarkably bleak

Stresses the lack of positive prospects or hope.

genuinely off-putting

Focuses on the negative impact, makes one want to avoid the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "thoroughly discouraging" to describe something that has completely disheartened you. For example, "The news about the project's failure was "thoroughly discouraging"."

What are some alternatives to "thoroughly discouraging"?

Alternatives include "utterly disheartening", "completely demoralizing", or "profoundly disappointing". Choose the phrase that best fits the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "thoroughly discouraging" formal or informal?

"Thoroughly discouraging" leans toward the formal side, although it can be used in neutral contexts as well. Consider the audience and choose a more casual phrase like "really disappointing" if appropriate.

What makes "thoroughly discouraging" different from "discouraging"?

The addition of "thoroughly" intensifies the feeling of discouragement. "Discouraging" simply means causing someone to lose enthusiasm, while "thoroughly discouraging" implies a complete loss of hope or motivation.