At the A1 level, the word 'desencorajamento' is quite advanced. A beginner would usually say 'estou triste' (I am sad) or 'não quero fazer isso' (I don't want to do this). However, it is useful to recognize the root 'coragem' (courage). You might see it in very simple texts about feelings. Think of it as the opposite of 'happy' or 'brave' when you are trying to do something difficult like learning a new language. It is a big word, but you can understand it by looking at 'des-' (no) and 'coragem' (courage). So, it means 'no courage'. It is okay if you cannot say it yet, but knowing what it means will help you understand more complex stories in the future. Beginners should focus on the fact that it is a 'bad' feeling related to work or goals.
For A2 learners, 'desencorajamento' starts to appear in reading materials about health, work, or school. You might not use it in daily conversation yet—you would probably use 'desânimo' or 'falta de vontade'. But at this level, you should know that it is a noun. You can use it in simple sentences like 'Sinto desencorajamento quando não entendo a lição' (I feel discouragement when I don't understand the lesson). It is important to notice the '-mento' ending, which tells you it is a masculine noun. You should also start to notice how it is different from 'tristeza'. Tristeza is about your heart being heavy, but desencorajamento is about your energy to do things being low. It is a more specific word for when you want to stop trying.
At the B1 level, you are expected to start using 'desencorajamento' in your writing and more formal speaking. This is the level where you move beyond basic emotions. You can use it to explain why you are struggling with a project or why a team is not doing well. You should be able to identify that 'desencorajamento' is often caused by 'fracasso' (failure) or 'crítica' (criticism). You can also use it with verbs like 'evitar' (to avoid) and 'superar' (to overcome). For a B1 student, this word is a 'bridge' word—it helps you sound more like a native speaker who can discuss complex feelings. It is very useful for writing essays or giving short presentations about personal challenges. You should also be comfortable with its gender: 'o desencorajamento'.
B2 learners should use 'desencorajamento' with precision. You should understand the nuance between this word and its synonyms like 'desmotivação' or 'abatimento'. At this level, you can use it in professional contexts, such as describing a market trend or a social issue. You should also be able to form complex sentences using the word, such as 'Apesar do desencorajamento inicial, ela persistiu e alcançou o sucesso' (Despite the initial discouragement, she persisted and achieved success). You should also recognize it in literature and news reports without needing a dictionary. It's a word that adds 'flavor' and 'depth' to your vocabulary, showing that you understand the psychological aspects of motivation and perseverance in Portuguese-speaking cultures.
At the C1 level, 'desencorajamento' is a standard part of your vocabulary. You use it fluently to discuss abstract concepts, philosophy, or high-level business strategies. You understand its etymological connection to the 'heart' and can use it in rhetorical ways. You might use it in a phrase like 'o desencorajamento das massas' to talk about political apathy. You are also aware of how to use its related forms, like the verb 'desencorajar' or the adjective 'desencorajador', in a variety of tenses and moods. You can discuss the subtle differences between 'desencorajamento' and 'desalento' in a literary analysis. For you, the word is not just a vocabulary item, but a tool for precise and evocative expression in both formal and informal but serious contexts.
For C2 speakers, 'desencorajamento' is used with complete mastery of its emotional and social connotations. You can use it to weave complex narratives or to provide deep psychological insights. You might explore the 'estética do desencorajamento' in a certain film or book. You understand how the word functions in different Lusophone countries—for example, how it might be used in a Fado song in Portugal compared to a social commentary in a Brazilian newspaper. You can use the word to create irony or to emphasize a point in a sophisticated debate. At this level, you don't just know the word; you know how to play with its weight and its rhythm within a sentence to achieve a specific effect on your audience.

desencorajamento in 30 Sekunden

  • Desencorajamento is a formal Portuguese noun meaning discouragement or the loss of the will to act due to a lack of courage or confidence.
  • It is derived from the root 'coragem' (courage) with the prefix 'des-' (undoing) and the suffix '-mento' (state/result), making it always masculine.
  • While similar to 'desânimo', it specifically targets the 'heart' or 'bravery' needed for a task, often appearing in professional and academic contexts.
  • Commonly used with verbs like 'sentir', 'superar', or 'evitar', it describes a serious emotional state that can lead to giving up on goals.

The Portuguese word desencorajamento is a complex noun that describes the profound psychological state of losing one's heart, will, or spirit to continue a particular path or action. At its core, it is the antithesis of courage. While in English we might simply say 'discouragement', the Portuguese term carries a weight of 'undoing' the internal fire that drives a person forward. It is frequently used in academic, professional, and deeply personal contexts to describe the moment when obstacles seem so insurmountable that the individual considers giving up entirely. This isn't just a fleeting sadness; it is the structural erosion of motivation.

Emotional Depth
It refers to the specific loss of 'coragem' (courage), suggesting that the person once had the bravery to start but has since lost it due to external pressures or internal fatigue.

O constante fracasso nos negócios levou o empresário a um estado de profundo desencorajamento.

In a societal sense, desencorajamento can be used to describe a collective feeling. For instance, a population might feel this way after a series of political disappointments. It is a formal word, but it is accessible enough to be used in serious conversations between friends or in news reports. It differs from 'tristeza' (sadness) because it is specifically tied to action and goals. You feel desencorajamento regarding a project, a relationship, or a career move. It is the specific heavy feeling in the chest when you look at a task and feel you can no longer do it. Understanding this word is crucial for B1 learners because it allows for the expression of nuanced emotional states beyond simple adjectives.

Societal Context
In Portugal and Brazil, discussing one's psychological state is becoming more common, and this word provides a dignified way to express a lack of motivation without sounding overly dramatic or clinical.

Não deixe que o desencorajamento te impeça de tentar novamente amanhã.

When analyzing the word's usage, we see it often paired with verbs like 'evitar' (to avoid), 'superar' (to overcome), or 'sentir' (to feel). It is a noun of state. If you are learning Portuguese, you will encounter this word in literature when a protagonist faces a dark night of the soul. It is also common in educational psychology to describe students who lose interest in learning due to difficulty. By mastering this word, you move from basic descriptions of feeling 'bad' to sophisticated descriptions of human resilience and its temporary lapses.

Formal Usage
In legal or official documents, it might refer to the act of dissuading someone from a specific course of action, though 'dissuasão' is more common there.

A falta de apoio financeiro é um fator de desencorajamento para novos artistas.

Lutamos contra o desencorajamento através da solidariedade comunitária.

O desencorajamento é o maior inimigo da inovação tecnológica.

Using desencorajamento correctly requires understanding its role as an abstract noun. It usually functions as the subject of a sentence or the object of a preposition. Because it is a long, multi-syllabic word, it tends to slow down the rhythm of a sentence, which mirrors the slow, heavy feeling of the emotion itself. When you use it, you are signaling to your listener that you are discussing a serious topic. It is rarely found in casual slang, but it is essential for professional feedback and psychological discussions.

As a Subject
When it starts a sentence, it sets a somber tone. Example: 'Desencorajamento não é uma opção para nós.'

O desencorajamento tomou conta da equipe após a derrota inesperada.

One of the most common ways to use the word is with the preposition 'de'. You can talk about the 'desencorajamento de' a person or a group. It is also frequently modified by adjectives like 'profundo' (deep), 'total' (total), or 'momentâneo' (momentary). This allows the speaker to quantify the level of discouragement being felt. In academic writing, you might see it used to describe the effect of a certain policy: 'A política de altos impostos gerou um desencorajamento no setor produtivo.' Here, it acts as a synonym for 'disincentive'.

With Verbs of Emotion
Commonly paired with 'sentir' (to feel), 'enfrentar' (to face), or 'combater' (to fight).

Ela sentiu um leve desencorajamento ao ver o tamanho da montanha.

For English speakers, it is helpful to think of 'desencorajamento' as the noun form of 'discourage'. While in English we often use the verb ('He was discouraged'), in Portuguese, we frequently use the noun phrase ('Ele estava em um estado de desencorajamento'). This nominalization is a hallmark of high-level Portuguese. It makes the sentiment feel more like a tangible thing that exists rather than just a fleeting action. When practicing, try to build sentences that link this state to a cause, using 'devido a' (due to) or 'por causa de' (because of).

In Professional Feedback
'Precisamos evitar o desencorajamento dos nossos colaboradores durante esta crise.'

Vencer o desencorajamento exige uma mudança de perspectiva mental.

O artista expressou seu desencorajamento através de cores frias e sombras.

Houve um desencorajamento geral quando a notícia foi anunciada.

You will likely encounter desencorajamento in several specific environments. First and foremost is the world of journalism and news. When reporters discuss economic downturns, they often speak about the 'desencorajamento dos investidores' (discouragement of investors). It sounds professional and objective. Another common place is in self-help literature or podcasts, which are very popular in Brazil and Portugal. There, the focus is on how to 'superar o desencorajamento' (overcome discouragement) to achieve personal goals. It is a key term in the vocabulary of resilience.

News & Media
Used to describe market trends or public sentiment following major events.

A reportagem focou no desencorajamento dos jovens em relação ao mercado de trabalho.

In the workplace, a manager might use this word during a performance review or a team meeting. They might say, 'Percebo um certo desencorajamento na equipe,' which is a polite and professional way of saying the team looks demotivated. It avoids personal blame by focusing on the 'state' rather than the 'person'. You'll also hear it in academic settings. Professors might discuss the 'desencorajamento intelectual' that happens when a student finds a subject too difficult. It is a word that bridges the gap between the emotional and the functional.

Academic Environment
Used by educators to describe the psychological barriers students face when struggling with complex material.

O professor notou o desencorajamento dos alunos diante da prova difícil.

Finally, in religious or spiritual contexts, desencorajamento is often discussed as a spiritual trial. Sermons or spiritual talks might address how to find hope in times of deep discouragement. Because the word is derived from 'coração' (heart) etymologically (via coragem), it resonates deeply in these contexts. It is seen as a loss of the 'heart's fire'. Whether you are reading a high-brow newspaper like 'Público' or 'Folha de S.Paulo', or listening to a deep conversation in a Lisbon café, this word serves as a vital tool for expressing the more difficult parts of the human experience.

Literature
Classic authors use it to describe the internal struggle of their protagonists against fate.

Nas páginas do livro, o desencorajamento do herói era quase palpável.

A palestra foi um antídoto contra o desencorajamento profissional.

O desencorajamento pode ser contagioso se não for tratado com empatia.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing desencorajamento with simply being 'sad' (triste). While they are related, desencorajamento is specifically about the loss of motivation or the will to act. Another common error is in the gender of the word. Because it ends in '-mento', it is always masculine ('o desencorajamento'), but learners sometimes mistakenly use 'a' because they associate emotions with feminine nouns in their native language or other Romance languages.

Gender Confusion
Mistake: 'A desencorajamento'. Correction: 'O desencorajamento'. All nouns ending in -mento are masculine.

Muitos alunos dizem 'a desencorajamento', mas o correto é sempre o masculino.

Another mistake involves the spelling. The word is quite long and contains the 'en' and 'ora' sounds which can be tricky. Some learners forget the 'j' and try to use a 'g', influenced by the English 'discourage'. Remember: in Portuguese, it's 'coragem' (with a 'g') but 'encorajar' (with a 'j' in certain conjugations) and 'desencorajamento' (with a 'j'). This 'j' is crucial for maintaining the correct sound before the 'a'. Furthermore, don't confuse it with 'desencorajador', which is the adjective meaning 'discouraging'. You feel desencorajamento because of a desencorajador event.

Noun vs. Adjective
Mistake: 'Isso é muito desencorajamento'. Correction: 'Isso é muito desencorajador' (adjective) or 'Isso causa muito desencorajamento' (noun).

Não confunda o sentimento de desencorajamento com a característica de algo ser desencorajador.

Finally, avoid overusing this word in very casual settings. If you just don't feel like going to the gym because you're a bit tired, using desencorajamento might sound a bit too dramatic. In that case, 'preguiça' (laziness) or 'desânimo' (lack of energy) are better choices. Using a 'big' word for a 'small' feeling can make you sound like you are trying too hard or that you don't understand the gravity of the term. Save desencorajamento for when the loss of heart is significant and tied to a meaningful goal or circumstance.

Register Errors
Mistake: Using it for trivial things like not wanting to wash the dishes. Correction: Use 'falta de vontade' or 'preguiça'.

O uso excessivo de desencorajamento em conversas triviais pode soar artificial.

Corrija o erro: 'Ele está com descorajamento' para 'Ele está com desencorajamento'.

A escrita correta exige atenção ao prefixo 'en' no meio da palavra desencorajamento.

Portuguese is rich in words that describe emotional states, so it's important to know the alternatives to desencorajamento. The most common synonym is desânimo. While desencorajamento specifically implies a loss of courage or heart, desânimo is broader, referring to a general lack of spirit, energy, or enthusiasm. You can feel desânimo because you didn't sleep well, but you feel desencorajamento because your project was rejected for the third time.

Desencorajamento vs. Desânimo
Desencorajamento is the loss of the specific 'courage' to continue a task. Desânimo is a general state of low energy or 'low batteries'.

O desencorajamento foca na desistência, enquanto o desânimo foca na apatia.

Another alternative is abatimento. This word suggests a physical or moral 'lowering'. If someone looks physically slumped and sad, they are in a state of abatimento. It is often used in medical contexts to describe patients who are very weak. Then there is desalento. This is a very poetic and strong word, often translated as 'despair' or 'utter loss of hope'. It is deeper than desencorajamento; it's the feeling that there is no breath ('alento') left in you. Use desalento for literature or very tragic situations.

Desencorajamento vs. Desalento
Desencorajamento is about the 'will' (courage). Desalento is about the 'breath of life' (hope). Desalento is much more dramatic.

O desencorajamento pode ser superado com pequenos passos, mas o desalento exige cura profunda.

For more modern or business-related contexts, you might hear desmotivação. This is the direct opposite of 'motivação' (motivation). It is very common in corporate speech. If a company has high turnover, they might say there is a 'desmotivação generalizada'. It sounds more clinical and less emotional than desencorajamento. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to sound poetic (desalento), professional (desmotivação), tired (desânimo), or specifically lacking the heart to face a challenge (desencorajamento).

Desencorajamento vs. Desmotivação
Desmotivação is the lack of a 'reason' (motive) to act. Desencorajamento is the lack of 'courage' to act. Desmotivação is common in HR contexts.

A desmotivação é um problema técnico; o desencorajamento é uma ferida na alma.

Substituir o desencorajamento por esperança é o primeiro passo para o sucesso.

O desencorajamento é apenas uma estação, não o destino final.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Because 'coragem' comes from 'coração' (heart), when you feel 'desencorajamento', you are literally experiencing a 'loss of heart'. This is why the word feels so much deeper than just being bored or tired.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /dɨ.zẽ.ku.ɾɐ.ʒɐ.ˈmẽ.tu/
US /de.zẽ.ko.ɾa.ʒa.ˈmẽ.tu/
The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: de-sen-co-ra-ja-MEN-to.
Reimt sich auf
Pensamento Sentimento Nascimento Crescimento Movimento Conhecimento Sofrimento Momento
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 's' as 's' instead of 'z' (it's between two vowels).
  • Forgetting the nasalization of the 'en' and 'em' syllables.
  • Pronouncing the 'j' as a hard 'dge' (English style) instead of the soft Portuguese 'j'.
  • Misplacing the stress on the last syllable.
  • Dropping the 'en' in the middle and saying 'des-corajamento'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

The word is long but follows standard Portuguese morphology, making it recognizable for B1+ readers.

Schreiben 6/5

Spelling the 'j' and the nasal 'en/em' correctly can be challenging for intermediate learners.

Sprechen 7/5

Pronouncing seven syllables with correct stress and nasalization requires practice.

Hören 5/5

It is easy to recognize if you know the root 'coragem', but it can be missed in fast speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Coragem Coração Sentir Triste Tentar

Als Nächstes lernen

Resiliência Perseverança Obstáculo Motivação Fracasso

Fortgeschritten

Desalento Abatimento Prostração Apatia Incentivo

Wichtige Grammatik

Nouns ending in '-mento' are always masculine.

O desencorajamento, o pensamento, o sentimento.

The prefix 'des-' is used to indicate the negation or reversal of the base word.

Fazer -> Desfazer; Encorajar -> Desencorajar.

Nasalization of 'en' and 'em' requires the air to pass through both the nose and mouth.

d-e-s-e-n-c-o-r-a-j-a-m-e-n-t-o.

The letter 'j' before 'a', 'o', 'u' always has a soft 'zh' sound.

Desencorajamento, Jogo, Justo.

Abstract nouns often take the definite article in Portuguese even when they don't in English.

O desencorajamento é difícil (Discouragement is difficult).

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Eu sinto desencorajamento hoje.

I feel discouragement today.

Basic subject + verb + noun structure.

2

O desencorajamento é ruim.

Discouragement is bad.

Using the definite article 'o' with the noun.

3

Não tenha desencorajamento.

Don't have discouragement (Don't be discouraged).

Negative imperative form of 'ter'.

4

O meu desencorajamento passou.

My discouragement passed.

Possessive adjective 'meu' agreeing with the masculine noun.

5

Estudo muito para evitar o desencorajamento.

I study a lot to avoid discouragement.

Use of 'para' + infinitive to show purpose.

6

O desencorajamento vem do cansaço.

Discouragement comes from tiredness.

Verb 'vir' (to come) in the present tense.

7

Ela luta contra o desencorajamento.

She fights against discouragement.

Preposition 'contra' (against) followed by the noun.

8

O desencorajamento é normal às vezes.

Discouragement is normal sometimes.

Adverbial phrase 'às vezes' (sometimes).

1

Senti um grande desencorajamento após o teste.

I felt a great discouragement after the test.

Preterite tense of 'sentir' + indefinite article.

2

O desencorajamento dele é visível.

His discouragement is visible.

Contraction 'de + ele' showing possession.

3

Precisamos vencer o desencorajamento na escola.

We need to overcome discouragement at school.

Verb 'precisar' + infinitive 'vencer'.

4

O desencorajamento não ajuda em nada.

Discouragement doesn't help at all.

Negative structure 'não... em nada'.

5

Muitas pessoas sentem desencorajamento no trabalho.

Many people feel discouragement at work.

Plural subject 'muitas pessoas'.

6

O desencorajamento é o oposto da motivação.

Discouragement is the opposite of motivation.

Noun phrase 'o oposto de'.

7

Ele falou sobre o seu desencorajamento.

He spoke about his discouragement.

Preposition 'sobre' (about).

8

O desencorajamento pode ser perigoso para a saúde.

Discouragement can be dangerous for health.

Modal verb 'pode' + infinitive 'ser'.

1

O desencorajamento é um obstáculo para o sucesso.

Discouragement is an obstacle to success.

Noun used as a conceptual subject.

2

É importante identificar as causas do desencorajamento.

It is important to identify the causes of discouragement.

Impersonal expression 'É importante'.

3

O desencorajamento tomou conta dele após a notícia.

Discouragement took over him after the news.

Idiomatic verb phrase 'tomar conta de' (to take over).

4

Não deixe que o desencorajamento te impeça de sonhar.

Don't let discouragement prevent you from dreaming.

Subjunctive mood 'impeça' after 'não deixe que'.

5

O desencorajamento é frequente em processos longos.

Discouragement is frequent in long processes.

Adjective 'frequente' modifying the noun.

6

Ela superou o desencorajamento com a ajuda dos amigos.

She overcame the discouragement with the help of friends.

Preterite of 'superar'.

7

O desencorajamento pode levar à desistência total.

Discouragement can lead to total giving up.

Verb 'levar a' (to lead to) with contraction 'à'.

8

Muitos artistas enfrentam o desencorajamento criativo.

Many artists face creative discouragement.

Adjective 'criativo' modifying the noun.

1

O desencorajamento dos investidores afetou a bolsa de valores.

The discouragement of investors affected the stock market.

Complex subject with possessive phrase.

2

O governo deve combater o desencorajamento social.

The government must fight social discouragement.

Modal 'deve' + infinitive 'combater'.

3

O desencorajamento é muitas vezes fruto de expectativas irreais.

Discouragement is often the result of unrealistic expectations.

Metaphorical use of 'fruto de' (fruit/result of).

4

Apesar do desencorajamento, o projeto continuou em frente.

Despite the discouragement, the project moved forward.

Concessive preposition 'Apesar de'.

5

O desencorajamento pode ser mitigado com feedback positivo.

Discouragement can be mitigated with positive feedback.

Passive voice 'pode ser mitigado'.

6

O desencorajamento intelectual é um tema recorrente na educação.

Intellectual discouragement is a recurrent theme in education.

Academic register.

7

Houve um desencorajamento geral quando o plano falhou.

There was a general discouragement when the plan failed.

Existential 'Houve' (There was).

8

O desencorajamento não deve ser confundido com preguiça.

Discouragement should not be confused with laziness.

Passive infinitive 'ser confundido'.

1

O desencorajamento sistêmico impede o desenvolvimento regional.

Systemic discouragement hinders regional development.

Use of specific adjective 'sistêmico'.

2

A literatura existencialista explora profundamente o desencorajamento humano.

Existentialist literature deeply explores human discouragement.

Adverb 'profundamente' modifying the verb.

3

O desencorajamento é uma barreira invisível para a inovação.

Discouragement is an invisible barrier to innovation.

Metaphorical noun phrase.

4

É preciso resiliência para não sucumbir ao desencorajamento crônico.

Resilience is needed to not succumb to chronic discouragement.

Verb 'sucumbir a' (to succumb to).

5

O desencorajamento pode ser visto como uma resposta ao trauma.

Discouragement can be seen as a response to trauma.

Passive construction 'pode ser visto'.

6

A falta de transparência gera um clima de desencorajamento na empresa.

The lack of transparency creates a climate of discouragement in the company.

Abstract noun 'clima' (climate/atmosphere).

7

Analisamos o impacto do desencorajamento na produtividade acadêmica.

We analyzed the impact of discouragement on academic productivity.

Formal verb 'Analisamos'.

8

O desencorajamento não é apenas um estado emocional, mas um fenômeno social.

Discouragement is not just an emotional state, but a social phenomenon.

Correlative conjunction 'não apenas... mas'.

1

O desencorajamento metafísico permeia a obra do autor.

Metaphysical discouragement permeates the author's work.

Sophisticated philosophical adjective.

2

A apatia política é, muitas vezes, o subproduto de um desencorajamento histórico.

Political apathy is often the byproduct of a historical discouragement.

Complex noun 'subproduto' (byproduct).

3

Não se deve subestimar o poder corrosivo do desencorajamento nas relações.

One should not underestimate the corrosive power of discouragement in relationships.

Impersonal 'se' with modal 'deve'.

4

O desencorajamento coletivo pode levar a mudanças estruturais drásticas.

Collective discouragement can lead to drastic structural changes.

Adjective 'coletivo' (collective).

5

A filosofia estoica oferece ferramentas contra o desencorajamento da alma.

Stoic philosophy offers tools against the discouragement of the soul.

Genitive phrase 'da alma'.

6

O desencorajamento é o solo onde a desistência floresce.

Discouragement is the soil where giving up flourishes.

Poetic metaphor.

7

A superação do desencorajamento exige uma reavaliação dos valores fundamentais.

Overcoming discouragement requires a reassessment of fundamental values.

Nominalization 'A superação'.

8

O desencorajamento, quando ignorado, cristaliza-se em amargura.

Discouragement, when ignored, crystallizes into bitterness.

Pronominal verb 'cristalizar-se'.

Häufige Kollokationen

Profundo desencorajamento
Sentir desencorajamento
Superar o desencorajamento
Causar desencorajamento
Fator de desencorajamento
Evitar o desencorajamento
Lutar contra o desencorajamento
Sinais de desencorajamento
Desencorajamento total
Clima de desencorajamento

Häufige Phrasen

Vencer o desencorajamento

— To overcome the feeling of being discouraged. Often used in motivational contexts.

Vencer o desencorajamento é o primeiro passo para a vitória.

Fonte de desencorajamento

— The origin or reason for the discouragement. Used to identify problems.

A falta de recursos é uma fonte de desencorajamento.

Apesar do desencorajamento

— In spite of feeling discouraged. Used to show resilience.

Apesar do desencorajamento, ele continuou a treinar.

Cair no desencorajamento

— To fall into a state of discouragement. Suggests a downward emotional spiral.

Não podemos deixar o país cair no desencorajamento.

Sem sinais de desencorajamento

— Showing no signs of being discouraged. Used to describe someone very determined.

Ela continuou a trabalhar sem sinais de desencorajamento.

Combater o desencorajamento

— To actively fight against the feeling of discouragement.

É preciso combater o desencorajamento com ações positivas.

Estado de desencorajamento

— The condition of being discouraged. A formal way to describe the feeling.

Ele entrou em um estado de desencorajamento absoluto.

Sentimento de desencorajamento

— The emotion of discouragement. Focuses on the internal feeling.

O sentimento de desencorajamento é passageiro.

Desencorajamento generalizado

— Discouragement that affects a whole group or population.

A crise econômica provocou um desencorajamento generalizado.

Um leve desencorajamento

— A small or minor amount of discouragement.

Senti apenas um leve desencorajamento hoje.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

desencorajamento vs Descorajamento

This is a common misspelling or dialectal variation. The standard word always includes the 'en-' prefix: desencorajamento.

desencorajamento vs Desânimo

While often used as a synonym, desânimo is more general and less formal than desencorajamento.

desencorajamento vs Desencorajador

This is the adjective (discouraging). Use 'desencorajamento' for the feeling itself.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Perder o fôlego"

— Literally 'to lose one's breath', but idiomatically used when someone loses the energy or courage to continue.

Ele perdeu o fôlego no meio do projeto.

Informal
"Baixar a guarda"

— To let one's guard down, often due to discouragement or fatigue.

Não baixe a guarda para o desencorajamento.

Neutral
"Entregar os pontos"

— To give up or surrender because of discouragement.

Ele estava tão desencorajado que entregou os pontos.

Informal
"Jogar a toalha"

— To throw in the towel; to quit due to a lack of courage to continue.

Depois de tantas falhas, ele jogou a toalha.

Informal
"Estar com a moral baixa"

— To have low morale, which is a state of collective or individual discouragement.

A equipe está com a moral baixa.

Neutral
"Cair por terra"

— To fall to the ground; used when dreams or plans fail, causing discouragement.

Todos os seus planos caíram por terra.

Literary
"Perder o norte"

— To lose one's direction or purpose, often leading to discouragement.

Com o desencorajamento, ele acabou perdendo o norte.

Neutral
"Estar no fundo do poço"

— To be at the bottom of the well; the lowest point of discouragement.

Ela sentiu que estava no fundo do poço.

Informal
"Murchar"

— To wither; used metaphorically when someone's spirit or courage fades.

Ele murchou diante das críticas.

Informal
"Ficar sem chão"

— To be without ground; to feel totally lost and discouraged after a shock.

Fiquei sem chão com aquela notícia.

Informal

Leicht verwechselbar

desencorajamento vs Desânimo

They both mean a lack of enthusiasm.

Desencorajamento is the specific loss of courage to face a challenge. Desânimo is a general state of low energy.

O desânimo vem do sono; o desencorajamento vem da falha.

desencorajamento vs Desalento

Both describe a loss of hope.

Desalento is much more poetic and extreme, implying you have no 'breath' left to fight.

O desencorajamento é uma fase; o desalento é uma tragédia.

desencorajamento vs Abatimento

Both involve feeling 'down'.

Abatimento often has a physical component, like looking tired or slumped.

Seu abatimento físico era sinal de desencorajamento moral.

desencorajamento vs Desmotivação

Both refer to a lack of will to act.

Desmotivação is more clinical and corporate, focusing on the lack of a 'motive'.

A desmotivação é tratada pelo RH; o desencorajamento é tratado pela alma.

desencorajamento vs Tristeza

Both are negative emotions.

Tristeza is a general feeling of unhappiness. Desencorajamento is specifically about losing the will to try something.

A tristeza é um sentimento; o desencorajamento é uma desistência.

Satzmuster

A1

Eu tenho [noun].

Eu tenho desencorajamento.

A2

O [noun] é [adjective].

O desencorajamento é forte.

B1

Sentir [noun] devido a [cause].

Sinto desencorajamento devido ao cansaço.

B2

Apesar do [noun], [action].

Apesar do desencorajamento, ele continuou.

C1

O [noun] atua como [metaphor].

O desencorajamento atua como uma barreira.

C2

A cristalização do [noun] em [state].

A cristalização do desencorajamento em amargura.

All

Evitar o [noun].

Precisamos evitar o desencorajamento.

Formal

Verifica-se um [noun] generalizado.

Verifica-se um desencorajamento generalizado.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Coragem (courage)
Encorajamento (encouragement)
Desencorajamento (discouragement)

Verben

Encorajar (to encourage)
Desencorajar (to discourage)

Adjektive

Corajoso (brave)
Encorajador (encouraging)
Desencorajador (discouraging)
Desencorajado (discouraged)

Verwandt

Coração (heart - the etymological root)
Ânimo (spirit)
Desânimo (lack of spirit)
Motivação (motivation)
Resiliência (resilience)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in written news, literature, and formal discussions; less common in very casual street slang.

Häufige Fehler
  • A desencorajamento O desencorajamento

    Nouns ending in '-mento' are masculine. This is a common rule for beginners to forget.

  • Descorajamento Desencorajamento

    Forgetting the 'en' prefix is a common spelling and speaking error.

  • Estou muito desencorajamento Estou muito desencorajado

    Confusing the noun (discouragement) with the adjective (discouraged).

  • Desencoragamento (with a G) Desencorajamento (with a J)

    While 'coragem' has a G, the verb 'encorajar' and the noun 'desencorajamento' use a J to keep the 'zh' sound before the 'a'.

  • Using it for minor laziness Using 'desânimo' or 'preguiça'

    Using such a heavy word for a small thing can sound overdramatic.

Tipps

Use the root

If you forget the word, remember 'coragem'. Adding 'des-' and '-mento' will help you reconstruct it.

Always Masculine

Never use 'a' with 'desencorajamento'. Nouns ending in -mento are your best friends because they are always masculine.

Nasal Power

The nasal vowels 'en' and 'em' are what make the word sound Portuguese. Practice saying them through your nose.

Expressing Empathy

When someone says they feel 'desencorajamento', it's a deep statement. Respond with empathy and 'encorajamento'.

Elevate your writing

Replace simple words like 'tristeza' with 'desencorajamento' in formal reports to sound more professional.

Context Clues

If you hear 'des-' and '-mento' in a serious conversation, it's likely a word about a state of being or an action's result.

Literature key

This word is a key to understanding the internal struggles of characters in Portuguese literature.

Action vs. Feeling

Remember that this word is about the loss of 'will', not just a feeling of sadness.

Heart connection

Remembering that it comes from 'coração' (heart) helps you feel the true weight of the word.

Syllable stress

Mastering the stress on the 'MEN' syllable will make the whole word sound natural.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of the 'J' in the middle of the word as a 'Jail' that holds your 'Coragem' (courage) captive. 'Des-en-coraj-a-mento' is the state of that courage being locked away.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a bright red heart (coragem) being covered by a heavy gray blanket (des-). The blanket represents the 'desencorajamento' that smothers the heart's fire.

Word Web

Coragem Coração Desistir Trabalho Sentimento Mente Obstáculo Superação

Herausforderung

Try to write a three-sentence paragraph about a time you felt 'desencorajamento' and how you overcame it using at least two other words from the word family (like 'corajoso' or 'encorajar').

Wortherkunft

The word comes from the Latin 'cor' (heart), which became 'coração' and 'coragem' in Portuguese. The prefix 'en-' was added to form 'encorajar' (to put into the heart), and the prefix 'des-' was added later to indicate the reversal of that action. The suffix '-mento' is a common Latin-derived suffix used to form abstract nouns from verbs.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Literally, the 'un-hearting' or the process of removing the heart/spirit from someone.

Romance (Indo-European), derived from Latin.

Kultureller Kontext

Be sensitive when using this word about someone else's work; it is a strong term that implies they have lost their spirit. Use 'desânimo' for lighter situations.

English speakers often use the verb 'discouraged' more than the noun 'discouragement'. In Portuguese, using the noun 'desencorajamento' sounds more formal and precise.

Fernando Pessoa's writings often touch upon themes of existential discouragement. Brazilian singer Renato Russo often wrote lyrics about the 'desencorajamento' of a generation. Sermons by Padre Antônio Vieira often addressed the need to fight against spiritual discouragement.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Professional Life

  • Desencorajamento profissional
  • Falta de incentivo
  • Feedback negativo
  • Baixa produtividade

Academic Studies

  • Desencorajamento intelectual
  • Dificuldade na matéria
  • Reprovação no exame
  • Falta de apoio docente

Sports and Fitness

  • Desencorajamento físico
  • Falta de resultados
  • Lesão recorrente
  • Perda de motivação

Personal Relationships

  • Desencorajamento amoroso
  • Falta de comunicação
  • Conflitos constantes
  • Desgaste emocional

Politics and Society

  • Desencorajamento civil
  • Crise econômica
  • Corrupção sistêmica
  • Apatia eleitoral

Gesprächseinstiege

"Você já sentiu um grande desencorajamento ao aprender uma língua nova?"

"Como você costuma lidar com o desencorajamento no seu trabalho?"

"Você acha que o desencorajamento é mais comum hoje em dia do que no passado?"

"Qual é o melhor conselho para alguém que está passando por um momento de desencorajamento?"

"O que causa mais desencorajamento em você: críticas ou falta de resultados?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva uma situação em que você sentiu um profundo desencorajamento e o que você fez para mudar esse estado.

Reflita sobre a diferença entre o desencorajamento momentâneo e a falta de motivação a longo prazo.

Escreva sobre como a sociedade pode ajudar a reduzir o desencorajamento dos jovens em relação ao futuro.

Pense em um projeto que você abandonou por desencorajamento. Olhando para trás, você agiria de forma diferente?

Como a resiliência atua como um antídoto para o desencorajamento na sua vida diária?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is always masculine. In Portuguese, nouns ending in '-mento' are consistently masculine, so you say 'o desencorajamento'.

Use 'desânimo' for everyday situations like feeling tired or unmotivated to do chores. Save 'desencorajamento' for serious setbacks in life, work, or goals.

The 'j' is pronounced like the 's' in the English word 'measure' or 'pleasure'. It is a soft, voiced fricative sound.

While you might hear it in some regions, it is considered non-standard. The correct, dictionary-approved term is 'desencorajamento'.

The verb is 'desencorajar', which means 'to discourage'. For example: 'As notícias desencorajaram o povo.'

Yes, 'desencorajamentos' exists, but because it is an abstract noun, the plural is very rare and only used to describe multiple instances of the feeling.

The direct opposite is 'encorajamento' (encouragement). Other antonyms include 'entusiasmo' and 'motivação'.

Yes, it is used in Brazil, especially in formal writing, news, and professional settings, though Brazilians might use 'desânimo' more in casual speech.

It is not a clinical diagnosis, but it is often used by psychologists to describe a patient's state of mind during therapy.

Break it down: DES (undo) + EN (in) + CORAJ (courage) + A (linking vowel) + MENTO (state). It's the state of undoing the courage within.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Escreva uma frase usando 'desencorajamento' em um contexto escolar.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descreva como superar o desencorajamento em três frases.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Crie um diálogo curto entre duas pessoas sobre desencorajamento no trabalho.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva um pequeno parágrafo sobre o impacto do desencorajamento na sociedade.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use a palavra 'desencorajamento' em uma frase formal sobre economia.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma frase usando o antônimo de 'desencorajamento'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Crie uma frase poética usando a palavra 'desencorajamento'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explique a diferença entre 'desânimo' e 'desencorajamento' em português.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma frase motivacional que mencione o desencorajamento.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descreva os sintomas físicos e mentais do desencorajamento.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Crie uma manchete de jornal usando a palavra 'desencorajamento'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma frase usando 'desencorajamento' e 'resiliência'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descreva uma cena de um livro onde o herói sente desencorajamento.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma carta curta de encorajamento para alguém que está desencorajado.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use a palavra 'desencorajamento' em uma frase sobre esportes.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explique por que o desencorajamento é perigoso em uma empresa.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma frase com 'desencorajamento' no plural.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Crie uma frase usando 'desencorajamento' e 'perspectiva'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva sobre o papel da família na prevenção do desencorajamento infantil.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Crie um slogan contra o desencorajamento.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronuncie a palavra 'desencorajamento' lentamente, sílaba por sílaba.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga uma frase sobre um momento em que você sentiu desencorajamento.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Como você diria 'Don't be discouraged' em português de forma formal?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explique o significado de 'desencorajamento' para um amigo.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Use 'desencorajamento' em uma frase sobre aprender português.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga três sinônimos de 'desencorajamento'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Como você pronuncia a sílaba tônica de 'desencorajamento'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga uma frase formal usando 'desencorajamento' e 'investidores'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Qual é a diferença de som entre 'coragem' e 'desencorajamento'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga uma frase motivacional curta sobre superar o desencorajamento.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Como você diria 'I'm feeling a bit discouraged' de forma informal?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga a palavra 'desencorajamento' cinco vezes rápido.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Use a palavra em uma frase sobre o tempo (clima).

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explique por que a palavra é masculina.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga 'deep discouragement' em português.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Use a palavra em uma frase sobre saúde.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Como você soaria mais natural ao dizer essa palavra?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga uma frase usando 'desencorajamento' e 'equipe'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Qual é o antônimo de 'desencorajamento'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga 'The discouragement is visible'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça a frase e identifique a palavra: 'O desencorajamento é o maior inimigo da persistência.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Qual é o artigo usado antes da palavra na frase anterior?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e diga se é singular ou plural: 'Os desencorajamentos da vida nos tornam mais fortes.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identifique o adjetivo na frase: 'Foi um momento muito desencorajador.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e complete: 'Sinto um ________ profundo.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Quantas vezes a palavra aparece? 'O desencorajamento gera mais desencorajamento.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Qual é o verbo usado? 'Ela superou o desencorajamento.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça a frase: 'O desencorajamento dos pais afeta os filhos.' Quem está desencorajado?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identifique a preposição: 'Lutamos contra o desencorajamento.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

A palavra soa como algo positivo ou negativo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e complete: 'Não deixe o ________ vencer.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Qual é a sílaba final da palavra?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identifique o prefixo na palavra 'desencorajamento'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça a frase: 'Houve um desencorajamento geral.' O que significa 'geral'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Qual é a emoção principal da frase: 'Estou com um desencorajamento enorme.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

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