demotivator
Spirit-crushing influence
A demotivator is something or someone that undermines enthusiasm or drive.
The term gained currency as a parody of inspirational "motivational" posters—demotivator posters feature bleak images with cynical captions: a sinking ship captioned "MEETINGS: None of us is as dumb as all of us".
More broadly, any discouraging influence: My boss is the ultimate demotivator.
Obstruction preventing passage
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- disincentiveFactor discouraging action
restraint · constraint · discouragement · inhibitor · dampener · roadblock · setback · stumbling block
Loss of hope or confidence
- discouragementLoss of confidence
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
- dejectionState of lowness
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
despondency · disillusionment · demoralization · disappointment · frustration · letdown · crushed hopes · sinking feeling
Acceptance of inevitable failure
- pessimismExpecting unfavorable outcomes
- cynicismDistrust of human sincerity
- negativityDisposition toward pessimism
- hopelessnessState without hope
fatalism · skepticism · doubt · resignation · apathy · indifference · disengagement · complacency
One who overcontrols subordinates
- bureaucracyRigid administrative system
- red tapeBureaucratic obstacles to action
- low payInsufficient earnings for work
- dead-end jobPosition lacking advancement opportunity
unfair treatment · lack of recognition · criticism · rejection · failure · layoffs · burnout · overwork
barrier
Obstruction preventing passage
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
disincentive · restraint · constraint · discouragement · inhibitor · dampener · roadblock · setback · stumbling block · buzzkill
disheartenment
Loss of hope or confidence
- discouragementLoss of confidence
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
- dejectionState of lowness
dismay · despondency · disillusionment · demoralization · disappointment · frustration · letdown · crushed hopes · sinking feeling · cold water
defeatism
Acceptance of inevitable failure
- pessimismExpecting unfavorable outcomes
- cynicismDistrust of human sincerity
- negativityDisposition toward pessimism
hopelessness · fatalism · skepticism · doubt · resignation · apathy · indifference · disengagement · complacency · inertia
micromanager
One who overcontrols subordinates
- bureaucracyRigid administrative system
- red tapeBureaucratic obstacles to action
- low payInsufficient earnings for work
unfair treatment · lack of recognition · dead-end job · criticism · rejection · failure · layoffs · burnout · overwork · glass ceiling
demotivatormotivator
Something prompting action
inspiration · incentive · encouragement · encourager · catalyst
demotivatoruplifter
One who encourages others
uplift · cheerleader · pick-me-up · ray of hope · tonic
demotivate, demotivated, demotivation, demotivating, demotivates, demotivational