Unencouraged

Describing a state of lacking positive reinforcement, support, or motivation. This word signifies a situation where someone or something does not receive the boost needed to proceed, develop, or persevere. It often implies a context where effort, talent, or initiative goes unnoticed, disregarded, or even discouraged. This can lead to feelings of demotivation, uncertainty, and a decreased likelihood of pursuing a goal or maintaining an existing effort. The absence of encouragement can stem from external factors like criticism, neglect, or lack of opportunity, or from internal factors like self-doubt and pessimism.

Unencouraged meaning with examples

• The young artist, feeling unencouraged by the lack of recognition for her paintings, gradually began to paint less frequently, the vibrant colors fading from her canvas as her spirit waned. Her family's lukewarm reception to her art created a sense of isolation, and the artistic flame dwindled. Eventually, she stopped painting altogether.
• Despite his diligent preparation, the student felt unencouraged by his teacher’s lack of feedback. He craved constructive criticism and affirmation, without which, he found himself losing momentum. He struggled to understand where to improve, which stunted his academic progress and made him doubt his capabilities. His passion for the subject began to wane.
• The research team, unencouraged by the dwindling funds and skeptical reactions of the board, faced an uphill battle. Without adequate support, the members struggled to maintain their enthusiasm. They faced uncertainty and became dispirited at the lack of resources, threatening the viability of their project which was essential for future development.
• The small business owner, unencouraged by the slow sales and mounting debt, began to question the viability of her venture. The lack of customer interest and financial strain added stress to her already difficult position, casting a shadow on her hopes. The discouragement was becoming overwhelming, pushing her toward potential closure.
• Feeling utterly unencouraged in her job search after multiple rejections, she started to question her skills. The ongoing setbacks, the countless unsuccessful applications and the lack of even generic feedback made her doubt herself, and her drive to find employment began to diminish with the passing of each day. She felt abandoned in her efforts.