unencouraging
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: - Not encouraging: Describing something that does not inspire confidence, hope, or enthusiasm; lacking positive or supportive qualities.
Usage
The adjective "unencouraging" is used to describe a situation, sign, response, or piece of information that fails to offer support or positive prospects. It is typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like "be," "seem," or "appear."
Examples
- The initial test results were unencouraging, suggesting the treatment might not be effective.
- She gave an unencouraging shrug when asked about the project's chances of success.
- The economic forecast for the next quarter looks unencouraging.
Advanced Usage
- "to find something unencouraging": To perceive or judge something as not being hopeful or positive.
- The committee found the proposal's lack of detail to be unencouraging.
- "in an unencouraging manner": Acting or speaking in a way that does not offer support.
- The manager nodded in an unencouraging manner, so I knew my idea was not well-received.
Variants and Related Words
- Discouraging (adj): Causing someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm; disheartening. (Often used interchangeably with "unencouraging," though "discouraging" can imply a more active dampening of spirits.)
- Unpromising (adj): Not likely to be successful or to yield positive results.
- Bleak (adj): (Of a situation) not hopeful or encouraging; depressing.
Synonyms
- Disheartening
- Unpromising
- Inauspicious
- Unfavorable
- Daunting
Antonyms
- Encouraging
- Promising
- Hopeful
- Auspicious
- Favorable
Adjective
- not encouraging