discourager
One who disheartens
A discourager is someone or something that discourages—that dampens enthusiasm, undermines confidence, or dissuades from action.
The word appears infrequently, usually in contrast to encourager: He was a discourager of bold plans.
A policy or circumstance can also be a discourager: High prices are a discourager of impulse buying.
One who advises against
- naysayerHabitual dissenter
- skepticOne who doubts claims
- pessimistOne expecting negative outcomes
- criticOne who judges merit
detractor · opponent · contrarian · dissenter · dampener · killjoy · wet blanket · spoilsport
Factor discouraging action
- dissuasionConvincing someone not to
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
restraint · check · brake · constraint · prohibition · prevention · inhibition · warning
Express sharp disapproval
- reproofExpression of blame
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
admonishment · reprimand · scolding · chiding · faultfinding · denunciation · disparagement · castigation
Reverse in progress
- roadblockObstruction across a road
- hurdleBarrier to leap over
- stumbling blockObstacle causing difficulty
- snagUnforeseen complication
difficulty · challenge · handicap · limitation · encumbrance · complication · frustration · interference
Causing loss of hope
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
- demoralizationLoss of confidence and hope
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
letdown · dampening · dispiriting · disengagement · resignation · defeatism · hopelessness · despondency
dissuader
One who advises against
critic · detractor · opponent · contrarian · dissenter · dampener · killjoy · wet blanket · spoilsport · doubter
disincentive
Factor discouraging action
- dissuasionConvincing someone not to
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- hindranceBarrier to progress
barrier · restraint · check · brake · constraint · prohibition · prevention · inhibition · warning · caution
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- reproofExpression of blame
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
condemnation · admonishment · reprimand · scolding · chiding · faultfinding · denunciation · disparagement · castigation · objection
setback
Reverse in progress
- roadblockObstruction across a road
- hurdleBarrier to leap over
- stumbling blockObstacle causing difficulty
snag · difficulty · challenge · handicap · limitation · encumbrance · complication · frustration · interference · disruption
disheartening
Causing loss of hope
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
- demoralizationLoss of confidence and hope
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
disappointment · letdown · dampening · dispiriting · disengagement · resignation · defeatism · hopelessness · despondency · malaise
discouragerencourager
One who heartens others
motivator · inspirer · supporter · cheerleader · booster
discourage, discouraged, discouraging, discouragement, discourages, discouragers, discouragements