disheartening

[ dis-hahr-tn-ing ]

adjective

1. depressing a person’s hope, courage, or spirits; discouraging:

   It's been disheartening to see some of her old habits and fears returning, even though they aren't as bad as when she was much younger.

Other Words From

• dis·heart·en·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of disheartening¹

dishearten ( def ) + -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

“The idea that somebody would have their ballot rejected when they’re voting for the first time is also very disheartening. We want people to have a positive first-time voting experience.”

From Los Angeles Times

She said it was "completely disheartening" that "every other day there is a report of a young woman who has lost her life through violence".

From BBC

Shopping online is just as disheartening, they lamented, because of bots programmed to hoover up products the instant they’re available.

From Los Angeles Times

Tenants at the Produce and other buildings said the situation has been especially disheartening because circumstances had improved during the receivership.

From Los Angeles Times

Almost 70 years after its initial performances, the drama’s warning about prioritizing productivity above humanity remains dishearteningly relevant in our current vicious reality.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alarming
• astounding
• awful
• dire
• dreadful
• frightening
• frightful
• ghastly
• harrowing
• hideous
• horrible
• horrific
• shocking
• terrible
• terrifying