we are discouraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are discouraged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing feelings of disappointment or a lack of confidence in a situation. Example: "After hearing the news about the project delays, we are discouraged about meeting our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We are discouraged by the long procedure and high expectations".

The Economist

"We are discouraged by the absence of a strategy to tackle human trafficking within the proposals.

The Guardian

You are right, of course, we are discouraged from feeling pleasure.

The New York Times

We are discouraged by many from pursuing abstract interests because, apparently, the prospects are unrealistic.

The Guardian

As a sur-taxpayer we are discouraged and dissatisfied with the kind of news which has been handed us since Pearl Harbor.

The New Yorker

But because we are discouraged from learning of science and mathematics as giving us no merit for the afterlife, today we have no capacity to produce our own weapons for our defense.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"We are discouraging people from living here, and that's going to affect property values," he said.

The New York Times

Jaitley: We are discouraging people from using it now.

TechCrunch

Since immigration from Mexico is such a giant political and social issue, why aren't we spending as much time encouraging Mexico's growth as we are discouraging China's?

Forbes

Conversely, by not believing them, we are discouraging people from talking about their stories, and hence, contributing to creating a toxic atmosphere which aids perpetrators.

Vice

Through our top-down mandates and ubiquitous talk of "accountability," we are discouraging teachers from fostering creativity and innovation in their own classrooms.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "we are discouraged" with more specific alternatives, like "we feel disheartened" or "we are losing hope", for greater emotional impact and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we are discouraged" in overly formal reports or presentations where a more direct or professional tone is required. Alternatives such as "we have concerns" or "we anticipate challenges" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are discouraged" functions primarily as a statement expressing a shared feeling of disappointment or reduced motivation. Ludwig AI shows examples where it's used to convey feelings about project delays, lack of progress, or broader societal issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are discouraged" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express shared disappointment or reduced motivation. Ludwig AI shows that it's often found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and business contexts. The phrase functions to communicate negative sentiment and potentially solicit empathy. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain professional settings. It's important to ensure clarity in defining 'we' and consider more specific alternatives for a greater emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we feel disheartened

Focuses on the feeling of losing spirit or enthusiasm.

we are demoralized

Emphasizes a loss of confidence or hope, often in a group.

we have lost heart

Implies a reduction in courage or enthusiasm.

our spirits are dampened

Highlights the reduction of enthusiasm or joy.

we are losing hope

Focuses on the diminishing expectation of a positive outcome.

we are losing enthusiasm

Emphasizes a decline in excitement and eagerness.

we are becoming disillusioned

Highlights the feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be.

we are losing motivation

Focuses on the decrease in drive or incentive.

we are being deterred

Emphasizes external factors preventing action.

we are being dissuaded

Implies persuasion against a particular course of action.

FAQs

What does "we are discouraged" mean?

The phrase "we are discouraged" expresses feelings of disappointment or a lack of confidence in a particular situation. It indicates that the speakers or writers feel disheartened and less motivated.

What can I say instead of "we are discouraged"?

You can use alternatives like "we feel disheartened", "we are dismayed", or "we are losing hope" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How do I use "we are discouraged" in a sentence?

You can use "we are discouraged" to express your feelings about a situation. For example, "We are discouraged by the project delays" or "We are discouraged about the lack of progress".

Is "we are discouraged" formal or informal?

The phrase "we are discouraged" is generally suitable for neutral contexts. However, in highly formal or business settings, you might prefer using phrases like "we have concerns" or "we anticipate challenges" for a more professional tone.