very discouraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very discouraged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong feeling of disappointment or loss of confidence in a situation. Example: "After receiving the news about the project's cancellation, I felt very discouraged about our team's efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

"I'm very discouraged".

The New York Times - Sports

They went back, very discouraged.

The New Yorker

You just get very discouraged sometimes".

The New York Times - Sports

"Today I am sad, broken, and very discouraged.

The New York Times

Sadly, I am very discouraged by the defensiveness of other Republicans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It was very discouraging.

The New York Times - Books

But it's very discouraging.

The New York Times

It was all very discouraging.

The New Yorker

Many of the signs are very discouraging.

The Guardian - Opinion

"As a long-standing member, I find these actions very, very discouraging.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "very discouraged" with alternatives like "deeply disheartened" or "extremely demoralized" if a more impactful expression is desired.

Common error

Avoid overusing "very" with other adjectives as it can weaken your writing. Instead, choose a more precise and impactful adjective that encapsulates the feeling without needing an intensifier. For example, instead of "very sad", consider "grief-stricken."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very discouraged" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a subject to describe their emotional state. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses a strong feeling of disappointment or loss of confidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very discouraged" is a commonly used adjective phrase that effectively communicates a strong feeling of disappointment or loss of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While the phrase is generally appropriate, writers should be mindful of potential overuse of "very" and consider more impactful alternatives to enhance their writing. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, indicating its broad applicability. When expressing this emotion, it's crucial to consider the specific context and choose the most fitting language to convey the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply disheartened

Emphasizes a profound sense of disappointment and loss of spirit.

extremely demoralized

Highlights the severe impact on morale and confidence.

utterly crestfallen

Implies a complete and noticeable dejection.

terribly let down

Focuses on the feeling of being disappointed by unmet expectations.

bitterly disappointed

Highlights the intensity and negative impact of the disappointment.

greatly disheartened

Similar to deeply disheartened but slightly less intense.

quite dispirited

Indicates a noticeable lack of enthusiasm or energy.

seriously bummed out

An informal way to express feeling discouraged.

feeling hopeless

Conveys a sense of despair and lack of optimism.

losing heart

Indicates a gradual decline in motivation and confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "very discouraged" in a sentence?

You can use "very discouraged" to express a strong feeling of disappointment or loss of confidence, such as, "After the repeated rejections, I felt "very discouraged" about my job search."

What are some alternatives to "very discouraged"?

Some alternatives include "deeply disheartened", "extremely demoralized", or "utterly crestfallen", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "discouraged" and "very discouraged"?

"Discouraged" indicates a feeling of reduced enthusiasm or hope. "Very discouraged" amplifies this feeling, suggesting a more profound sense of disappointment and demotivation.

When is it appropriate to use "very discouraged" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize a strong feeling of disappointment or loss of confidence. However, consider whether a more specific and impactful adjective might be more effective. Alternatives like "deeply disheartened" or "extremely demoralized" may sometimes be better choices.