dishearten
What does "dishearten" mean?
To dishearten someone is to cause them to lose their courage, hope, or enthusiasm. Imagine a flame or a spirit that was once bright and burning, but has been dampened or extinguished by bad news, repeated failure, or a lack of support; that feeling of sinking or "dropping" inside is the essence of being disheartened. It is a formal verb often used in professional or serious contexts to describe a reaction to setbacks. You will frequently see it in the passive voice ("I felt disheartened") or used to describe events ("The news was disheartening"), and it often collocates with words like "setback," "effort," or "prospects."
"dishearten" in conversation
A project setback
I just saw the budget cuts for our department.
I just saw the budget cuts for our department.
I know, it’s really disheartening after all the work we put in.
I know, it’s really disheartening after all the work we put in.
Used here to describe a shared feeling of loss regarding professional effort.
Encouraging a friend
I failed the exam for the third time. I think I'm done.
I failed the exam for the third time. I think I'm done.
Don't let this dishearten you. You're so close to passing.
Don't let this dishearten you. You're so close to passing.
Used in the active imperative form to urge someone not to give up.
"dishearten" in a sentence
The long winter began to dishearten the villagers.
The long winter began to dishearten the villagers.
She was disheartened by the lack of feedback on her proposal.
She was disheartened by the lack of feedback on her proposal.
Despite the disheartening statistics, the team remained committed to their mission.
Despite the disheartening statistics, the team remained committed to their mission.
