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desmotivar

B1 verb #7,000 most common 15 min read

desmotivar

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips desmotivar in 30 Seconds

Explanation desmotivar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'desmotivar' often, but you should understand its basic meaning. It comes from 'motivar' (to motivate). Think of it as 'no tener ganas' (not having the desire) to do something because of a reason. For example, if you have a lot of homework, you might feel 'desmotivado' to play. At this level, focus on the idea that 'desmotivar' is the opposite of being excited or having a reason to do something. You can remember it as 'no motivation.' It is a regular verb like 'hablar' or 'caminar.' You might see it in simple sentences about school or hobbies. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just know it means to lose interest or drive because something negative happened. For instance, 'El examen es difícil, me desmotiva.' (The exam is hard, it demotivates me).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'desmotivar' to describe your feelings or the influence of others in a simple way. You should learn the reflexive form 'desmotivarse' (to become demotivated). This is very useful when talking about your daily routine or learning Spanish. For example, 'A veces me desmotivo cuando no entiendo la gramática.' (Sometimes I get demotivated when I don't understand the grammar). You should also notice how it is used with the personal 'a' when talking about people: 'El mal tiempo desmotiva a los turistas.' (The bad weather demotivates the tourists). You are moving beyond simple 'happy' or 'sad' and starting to describe the *reason* for your lack of energy. It is a great word to use when talking about work or study habits in your basic conversations.

At the B1 level (your current level), 'desmotivar' is a key vocabulary word. You should be able to use it fluently in professional and academic contexts. You understand that it is more specific than 'desanimar.' You can use it to talk about causes and effects: 'La falta de feedback desmotiva a los empleados.' (The lack of feedback demotivates employees). You should be comfortable with the past participle 'desmotivado' as an adjective (e.g., 'Estoy desmotivado'). You also start to use it in the subjunctive mood to express opinions or fears: 'No creo que esto nos desmotive.' (I don't think this will demotivate us). This word allows you to participate in discussions about productivity, education, and personal goals with more precision and a more adult tone. You can explain *why* someone is losing their drive using 'porque' or 'debido a'.

At the B2 level, you should use 'desmotivar' with nuance and correct prepositions. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'desalentar' or 'frustrar.' You might use it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Es fundamental evitar factores que puedan desmotivar al equipo a largo plazo.' (It is fundamental to avoid factors that could demotivate the team in the long run). You are also aware of the noun form 'desmotivación' and can use it in essays or formal debates. You understand the social and psychological implications of the word, using it to discuss topics like 'fracaso escolar' (school failure) or 'quemado' (burnout). You can also use it in the conditional and other advanced tenses to hypothesize about future scenarios: 'Si bajáramos los salarios, desmotivaríamos a todo el personal.' (If we were to lower salaries, we would demotivate the entire staff).

At the C1 level, 'desmotivar' is part of a sophisticated vocabulary used for precise analysis. You can use it to discuss complex psychological states and systemic issues. You might use it in the passive voice or in complex relative clauses: 'La desmotivación, a menudo causada por una estructura jerárquica rígida, es difícil de revertir.' (Demotivation, often caused by a rigid hierarchical structure, is difficult to reverse). You can use the word to analyze literature or political discourse, identifying how certain rhetorical strategies are designed to 'desmotivar' an opponent or a segment of the population. You also use related terms like 'desincentivar' in economic contexts with ease. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can play with the word's connotations in different registers, from formal reports to intellectual discussions.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'desmotivar' and its place in the Spanish language's vast lexical field. You can use it with perfect precision in any context, including academic writing, legal documents, or high-level diplomacy. You understand the subtle historical and etymological connections of the word. You can use it to engage in deep philosophical discussions about the nature of human will and the factors that 'desmotiven' the human spirit in a post-modern world. You are comfortable using it in highly idiomatic or metaphorical ways, and you can effortlessly switch between 'desmotivar' and its most obscure synonyms depending on the desired tone and audience. Your understanding includes the regional variations and how the concept of motivation/demotivation might be perceived differently across various Hispanic cultures.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

desmotivar in 30 Seconds

Desmotivar is a verb used to describe the loss of drive, enthusiasm, or reason to act, essentially the opposite of motivating someone.
It is a regular -ar verb and is frequently used reflexively (desmotivarse) to describe how a person feels internally when losing interest.
Commonly found in workplace, educational, and personal growth contexts, it highlights the negative impact of external factors on human behavior.
It is more specific than 'desanimar' (to discourage), as it specifically targets the 'motive' or 'incentive' behind an action or goal.

The Spanish verb desmotivar is a powerful linguistic tool used to describe the process of stripping away someone's drive, enthusiasm, or reason for acting. At its core, it is the direct opposite of motivar (to motivate). While the English translation 'to demotivate' or 'to discourage' captures the essence, the Spanish usage often carries a heavier weight in professional and educational contexts. It refers to the psychological state where a stimulus that previously prompted action is removed or countered by negative factors. Understanding this word requires looking at the prefix des-, which in Spanish signifies negation, reversal, or deprivation, combined with the root motivar, derived from motivo (motive or cause). When you use desmotivar, you are describing the active or passive destruction of the 'why' behind a person's behavior. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually acts upon an object—someone or something is doing the demotivating to someone else.

Psychological Context: In psychology, desmotivar is linked to the loss of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. It is used to describe how external environments, such as a toxic workplace or a rigid school system, can extinguish a person's natural curiosity or ambition.

Las constantes críticas del entrenador terminaron por desmotivar a todo el equipo de fútbol antes de la gran final.

In daily conversation, Spanish speakers use this word to express frustration with systems or individuals. It is not just about feeling sad (which would be entristecer) or lacking courage (which would be desanimar), but specifically about the loss of the incentive to perform a task. For example, if a student studies hard but receives a low grade due to an unfair grading system, that system is said to desmotivar the student. The word is frequently heard in corporate environments when discussing employee turnover or low productivity. Managers are often cautioned not to desmotivar their staff with excessive bureaucracy or lack of recognition. Furthermore, the reflexive form desmotivarse is extremely common, used when a person feels their own drive slipping away without necessarily blaming a specific external person.

Reflexive Usage: The form desmotivarse is used to say 'to become demotivated.' For instance, 'Me desmotivo cuando no veo resultados inmediatos' (I get demotivated when I don't see immediate results).

No dejes que un pequeño error te llegue a desmotivar en tu aprendizaje del español.

Culturally, the concept of motivation is highly valued in modern Spanish-speaking societies, especially in the context of 'emprendimiento' (entrepreneurship) and personal growth. Therefore, desmotivar is often seen as a significant negative action. It is a word that carries a sense of consequence; it implies that because of this demotivation, something will not be finished, or a goal will be abandoned. In educational settings, teachers are trained to avoid pedagogical practices that desmotiven to the students. It is also used in political discourse to describe how certain policies might discourage investment or social participation. By mastering this word, you can articulate complex feelings about productivity and personal drive that go beyond simple happiness or sadness.

Social Impact: When a society feels desmotivada, it often leads to apathy in voting or community involvement, making this word relevant in sociological analyses.

Es fácil desmotivar a un artista si solo se critica su obra de manera destructiva.

Finally, it is important to note that desmotivar is a regular -ar verb, making its conjugation predictable. However, its impact in a sentence is profound. It describes a transition from a state of action to a state of stasis. Whether you are talking about sports, work, or personal hobbies, knowing when someone is being desmotivado allows for a deeper understanding of human dynamics in the Spanish-speaking world.

Using desmotivar correctly involves understanding its role as a transitive verb and its frequent reflexive use. As a transitive verb, it requires a direct object—the person or group being demotivated. For example, 'La falta de apoyo puede desmotivar a los jóvenes' (The lack of support can demotivate young people). Notice the use of the personal 'a' before 'los jóvenes,' which is a standard rule in Spanish when the direct object is a specific person or group of people. This structure is essential for clear communication. If you want to say that something demotivates you, you use the object pronoun: 'Esto me desmotiva' (This demotivates me). Here, 'me' is the direct object pronoun.

Transitive Structure: Subject + [Verb] + a + [Person]. Example: El jefe desmotivó a los empleados con su actitud fría.

No queremos desmotivar a los estudiantes con demasiada tarea durante las vacaciones.

The reflexive form, desmotivarse, is used to describe the internal process of losing one's own motivation. This is common when discussing personal feelings or long-term projects. You might say, 'Es fácil desmotivarse cuando el progreso es lento' (It is easy to get demotivated when progress is slow). In this case, the subject and the object are the same. The conjugation follows the standard pattern for reflexive verbs: me desmotivo, te desmotivas, se desmotiva, nos desmotivamos, os desmotiváis, se desmotivan. This form is particularly useful in journals, therapy, or intimate conversations about one's mental state. It shifts the focus from an external cause to the internal experience of the individual.

Reflexive Conjugation: Yo me desmotivo, tú te desmotivas, él/ella se desmotiva. Example: Me desmotivé tras perder el concurso.

Si sigues comparándote con los demás, te vas a desmotivar muy rápido.

Another important aspect is using desmotivar in the passive voice or as a participle adjective. You can say 'Los empleados están desmotivados' (The employees are demotivated). Here, desmotivado/a/os/as acts as an adjective describing the state of the subject. This is perhaps the most frequent way you will encounter the word in professional settings. You might hear a consultant say, 'El equipo está profundamente desmotivado debido a la falta de comunicación.' This usage helps identify the problem without necessarily pointing a finger at a single action, but rather describing the current atmosphere. Additionally, the word can be used in the subjunctive mood to express desires or fears: 'Temo que los cambios desmotiven al personal' (I fear that the changes might demotivate the staff).

Adjectival Use: The past participle desmotivado changes for gender and number. Example: Ellas están desmotivadas.

Es vital identificar qué factores están logrando desmotivar a nuestra fuerza de ventas.

Finally, consider the nuances of tone. Using desmotivar is more formal than saying 'quitar las ganas' (to take away the desire). While 'quitar las ganas' is very common in informal speech among friends, desmotivar is the preferred term in essays, news reports, and professional evaluations. By choosing desmotivar, you signal a higher level of Spanish proficiency and a more precise understanding of psychological states. Whether you are writing a formal letter or discussing your personal goals with a language partner, using this verb with its correct objects and prepositions will make your Spanish sound natural and sophisticated.

You will encounter the word desmotivar in a variety of real-world scenarios across the Spanish-speaking world. One of the most common places is the workplace. In business meetings, HR seminars, or office gossip, the topic of motivation is central. You might hear a manager say, 'No podemos permitir que estos recortes desmotiven a la plantilla' (We cannot allow these cuts to demotivate the workforce). It is a standard term in 'coaching' culture, which is very popular in countries like Spain, Mexico, and Argentina. Podcasts and books about leadership frequently use desmotivar to describe what poor leaders do. If you work in a Spanish-speaking environment, pay attention to how this word is used to describe the 'clima laboral' (work environment).

Corporate Setting: Used in performance reviews and strategy sessions. Example: '¿Qué elementos están desmotivando a nuestro talento?'

En la reunión de ayer, se discutió cómo el nuevo horario podría desmotivar a los empleados más veteranos.

Another major sphere is education. Teachers, parents, and students use desmotivar to discuss the challenges of the school system. You might hear a student complain, 'Este profesor tiene una forma de enseñar que solo sirve para desmotivar' (This teacher has a way of teaching that only serves to demotivate). Educational psychology in Spanish uses this term extensively to analyze why students drop out or lose interest in certain subjects. In news reports about education, you will often see headlines like 'El fracaso escolar: ¿por qué se desmotivan nuestros jóvenes?' This highlights the word's importance in discussing social and developmental issues. It is a key term for anyone involved in teaching or learning a language.

Academic Context: Frequent in pedagogical debates and student counseling. Example: 'Un currículo aburrido suele desmotivar al alumno'.

Muchos deportistas se llegan a desmotivar después de una lesión larga y complicada.

The word also appears frequently in self-help and mental health contexts. Influencers on YouTube or Instagram who focus on 'productividad' (productivity) and 'bienestar' (well-being) often talk about how to avoid desmotivarse. They might offer tips like '5 cosas que te están desmotivando sin que lo sepas' (5 things that are demotivating you without you knowing it). In therapy or support groups, patients might describe their depression or anxiety as a feeling of being constantly desmotivado. It is a precise way to describe the lack of 'ganas' or energy to face the day. Whether in a clinical setting or a casual conversation about mental health, desmotivar provides a clear label for a common human experience.

Social Media & Self-Help: Common in 'lifestyle' content and motivational speaking. Example: 'No dejes que los comentarios negativos te desmotiven'.

La corrupción en la política puede desmotivar a los ciudadanos a la hora de ir a votar.

Finally, you will find it in literature and high-level journalism. Authors use it to describe the internal struggles of characters who lose their sense of purpose. Journalists use it to analyze economic trends, such as how high taxes might desmotivar entrepreneurs. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between everyday feelings and complex societal issues. By listening for desmotivar in news broadcasts, podcasts like 'Radio Ambulante', or Spanish TV shows like 'La Casa de Papel', you will see how it functions as a vital descriptor of human behavior and social dynamics.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with desmotivar is confusing it with desanimar. While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. Desanimar is more general and often refers to a temporary loss of spirits or feeling 'down.' Desmotivar is more specific to the 'motive' or the 'why' behind an action. If you lose a game, you might feel desanimado (discouraged/sad), but if you no longer see the point in playing at all because the rules are unfair, you are desmotivado. Using desmotivar when you just mean 'sad' can sound a bit too clinical or corporate in a casual setting. Understanding this nuance is key to sounding more like a native speaker.

Desmotivar vs. Desanimar: Use desanimar for general discouragement and desmotivar for a specific loss of incentive or purpose.

No es que esté triste, es que la falta de recursos me ha llegado a desmotivar por completo.

Another common error is forgetting the personal 'a' when the object of the verb is a person. Because desmotivar is a transitive verb, if you are demotivating 'your sister' or 'the workers,' you must say 'desmotivar a mi hermana' or 'desmotivar a los trabajadores.' English speakers often omit this 'a' because it doesn't exist in English syntax. Forgetting it is a tell-tale sign of a non-native speaker. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the reflexive form desmotivarse. They might say 'Yo desmotivo' when they mean 'I get demotivated.' Without the reflexive pronoun 'me,' the sentence means 'I demotivate [someone else],' which changes the meaning entirely. Always remember: if the feeling is happening to you, use the reflexive me desmotivo.

The Personal 'A' Error: Incorrect: 'El ruido desmotiva los estudiantes.' Correct: 'El ruido desmotiva a los estudiantes.'

Es un error pensar que el dinero es lo único que puede desmotivar o motivar a alguien.

A subtle mistake involves the use of desmotivar vs. frustrar. While demotivation can lead to frustration, they are different stages. Frustrar is about being prevented from reaching a goal, whereas desmotivar is about losing the desire to even try for the goal. If you are trying to open a door and can't, you are frustrado. If you decide the door isn't worth opening anymore because it's too much work, you are desmotivado. Using these words precisely will help you describe your emotions more accurately. Lastly, ensure you are conjugating it as a regular -ar verb. Some learners mistakenly try to change the stem (like desmuetivar), but it remains desmotivo, desmotivas, etc. Simple regular conjugation is all you need!

Desmotivar vs. Frustrar: Frustrar = blocked goal. Desmotivar = lost desire for the goal.

Me desmotiva mucho cuando el profesor no explica bien las instrucciones.

In summary, the most common pitfalls are semantic confusion with similar verbs, grammatical omissions like the personal 'a', and incorrect use of reflexive pronouns. By paying attention to these details, you will avoid the typical 'foreigner' mistakes and use desmotivar with the precision of a native speaker. Practice using it in both its transitive and reflexive forms to become comfortable with its versatility.

To enrich your Spanish vocabulary, it is helpful to know the alternatives to desmotivar. Depending on the context, you might choose a word that is more emotional, more physical, or more informal. The most direct synonym is desanimar. As discussed, desanimar is slightly more focused on the spirit (ánimo) and mood. It is perfect for situations involving sports, personal setbacks, or temporary sadness. If a friend fails a test, you would say 'No te desanimes' (Don't be discouraged). Desmotivar in that context might sound a bit too formal or focused on the 'reason' for studying rather than the friend's feelings.

Desanimar: Focuses on mood and spirit. Common in social and emotional contexts. Example: 'La lluvia nos desanimó para ir a la playa'.

Es importante no desanimar a los niños cuando están intentando algo nuevo por primera vez.

Another excellent alternative is desalentar. This word literally means to 'take away the breath' (aliento). It is often used in more formal or literary contexts to describe a situation that makes someone lose hope or the will to continue. It carries a certain poetic weight. For example, 'Las noticias desalentadoras' (The discouraging news). While desmotivar is about the incentive, desalentar is about the hope. Use desalentar when you want to sound more sophisticated or when the situation is particularly grave or long-lasting. It is common in journalism and literature.

Desalentar: Focuses on hope and the will to continue. More formal/literary. Example: 'El fracaso del proyecto desalentó a los inversores'.

No permitas que los obstáculos te lleguen a desalentar en tu camino hacia el éxito.

If you want to describe a state of being completely drained of energy or enthusiasm, you can use hacer perder el interés (to make someone lose interest) or abatir. Abatir is very strong, suggesting someone has been 'beaten down' or 'prostrated' by circumstances. It is much more intense than desmotivar. On the other hand, decepcionar (to disappoint) is often the cause of demotivation. If someone lets you down, you are decepcionado, which then leads you to be desmotivado. Understanding these relationships helps you tell a more complete story in Spanish. Lastly, frustrar is used when a specific plan or effort is blocked, leading to a feeling of powerlessness.

Abatir: Very strong; to crush someone's spirit. Example: 'La muerte de su perro lo dejó abatido'.

Los altos impuestos pueden desincentivar la creación de nuevas empresas en la región.

By having this range of words—desmotivar, desanimar, desalentar, abatir, frustrar, desincentivar—you can tailor your speech to the exact situation. Whether you are talking about a bad day at work, a tragic event, or a government policy, you will have the right word at your disposal. This variety is what makes a speaker sound advanced and nuanced.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'mot-' is the same as in 'motor' and 'motion'. So, when you are 'desmotivado', your internal motor has essentially stopped running.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /des.mo.ti.ˈβar/

US /des.mo.ti.ˈβar/

The stress is on the last syllable: '-ar'.

Rhymes With

caminar hablar pensar llegar amar soñar actuar luchar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (it should be a soft 'b' sound).
Putting the stress on the 'ti' instead of the 'ar'.
Pronouncing the 's' like a 'z' (it should always be a soft 's').
Making the 'r' too strong or like an English 'r'.
Vocalizing the 'e' like 'ay' in 'day' instead of a short 'eh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'motivar'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct use of the personal 'a' and reflexive pronouns.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to conjugate, but requires nuance in usage.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to hear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

motivar motivo ánimo ganas querer

Learn Next

desalentar desincentivar frustración apatía entusiasmo

Advanced

nihilismo desidia abulia procrastinar intrínseco

Grammar to Know

The Personal 'A'

Desmotivar **a** los empleados.

Reflexive Verbs

Yo **me** desmotivo, tú **te** desmotivas.

Present Subjunctive for Emotions

Me da pena que se **desmotive**.

Past Participle as Adjective

Ellas están **desmotivadas**.

Prepositions with Verbs

Desmotivarse **por** algo.

Examples by Level

El profesor es malo y me desmotiva.

The teacher is bad and demotivates me.

Present tense, first person object pronoun 'me'.

No quiero estudiar, estoy desmotivado.

I don't want to study, I am demotivated.

Adjective use of the past participle.

La lluvia desmotiva a los niños.

The rain demotivates the children.

Use of the personal 'a' before 'los niños'.

¿Por qué te desmotivas tanto?

Why do you get so demotivated?

Reflexive form 'te desmotivas'.

Este juego me desmotiva porque es difícil.

This game demotivates me because it is difficult.

Causal clause with 'porque'.

Ella no quiere desmotivar a su hermano.

She doesn't want to demotivate her brother.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

Las malas notas desmotivan a los alumnos.

Bad grades demotivate the students.

Plural subject and verb agreement.

¡No te desmotives, tú puedes!

Don't get demotivated, you can do it!

Negative imperative (command).

Me desmotivé después de perder el partido.

I got demotivated after losing the match.

Preterite tense, reflexive.

Es fácil desmotivarse cuando no hay sol.

It's easy to get demotivated when there is no sun.

Reflexive infinitive with 'es fácil'.

Sus palabras me desmotivaron un poco ayer.

His words demotivated me a bit yesterday.

Preterite tense, plural subject.

No debemos desmotivar a los nuevos empleados.

We must not demotivate the new employees.

Modal verb 'deber' + infinitive.

Si el trabajo es aburrido, la gente se desmotiva.

If the work is boring, people get demotivated.

Conditional sentence 'si' + present.

Ella se siente desmotivada en su clase de piano.

She feels demotivated in her piano class.

Adjective 'desmotivada' with 'sentirse'.

El ruido constante puede desmotivar a cualquiera.

Constant noise can demotivate anyone.

Use of 'cualquiera' as a direct object.

Estamos desmotivados por la falta de dinero.

We are demotivated by the lack of money.

Past participle as an adjective with 'estar'.

La falta de reconocimiento suele desmotivar al personal.

The lack of recognition usually demotivates the staff.

General statement with 'soler'.

Espero que estas críticas no te desmotiven demasiado.

I hope these criticisms don't demotivate you too much.

Present subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

Se desmotivó al ver que sus esfuerzos no daban frutos.

He got demotivated upon seeing that his efforts were not bearing fruit.

Reflexive preterite with 'al + infinitive'.

Muchos estudiantes se desmotivan por el sistema educativo.

Many students get demotivated by the educational system.

Passive-reflexive construction.

No permitas que un fracaso temporal te desmotive.

Don't allow a temporary failure to demotivate you.

Subjunctive after 'permitir que'.

El equipo se sentía desmotivado tras la derrota.

The team felt demotivated after the defeat.

Imperfect tense for description of state.

¿Crees que el nuevo horario va a desmotivar a la gente?

Do you think the new schedule is going to demotivate people?

Near future with 'ir a + infinitive'.

Ella siempre intenta no desmotivarse ante los problemas.

She always tries not to get demotivated in the face of problems.

Reflexive infinitive 'desmotivarse'.

Un entorno tóxico puede desmotivar incluso al trabajador más dedicado.

A toxic environment can demotivate even the most dedicated worker.

Use of 'incluso' for emphasis.

La burocracia excesiva tiende a desmotivar la iniciativa privada.

Excessive bureaucracy tends to demotivate private initiative.

Formal verb 'tender a'.

Me preocupa que la falta de recursos desmotive a los investigadores.

I am concerned that the lack of resources might demotivate the researchers.

Subjunctive after an expression of emotion 'me preocupa que'.

Si no hay incentivos, es lógico que el personal se desmotive.

If there are no incentives, it is logical that the staff gets demotivated.

Subjunctive after 'es lógico que'.

Habría sido mejor no decirle eso para no desmotivarlo.

It would have been better not to tell him that so as not to demotivate him.

Conditional perfect + 'para no + infinitive' with object pronoun.

Los constantes cambios de criterio terminaron por desmotivar al autor.

The constant changes in criteria ended up demotivating the author.

Periphrasis 'terminar por + infinitive'.

A pesar de los obstáculos, nunca se dejó desmotivar.

Despite the obstacles, he never let himself be demotivated.

Passive construction with 'dejarse'.

Es fundamental que el líder sepa cómo no desmotivar a su equipo.

It is fundamental that the leader knows how not to demotivate his team.

Subjunctive after 'es fundamental que'.

La ausencia de retos intelectuales puede desmotivar profundamente a los alumnos con altas capacidades.

The absence of intellectual challenges can deeply demotivate gifted students.

Adverbial modification 'profundamente'.

Ciertas políticas fiscales podrían desmotivar la inversión extranjera en el país.

Certain fiscal policies could demotivate foreign investment in the country.

Conditional used for speculation.

No debemos permitir que la precariedad laboral desmotive a toda una generación.

We must not allow job insecurity to demotivate an entire generation.

Subjunctive with a broad social subject.

Resulta paradójico que el exceso de información llegue a desmotivar al usuario.

It is paradoxical that an excess of information ends up demotivating the user.

Subjunctive after 'resulta paradójico que'.

El autor analiza los factores que desmotivan al ciudadano contemporáneo.

The author analyzes the factors that demotivate the contemporary citizen.

Relative clause 'que desmotivan'.

Cualquier asomo de injusticia bastaba para desmotivar al joven activista.

Any hint of injustice was enough to demotivate the young activist.

Imperfect tense for habitual action in the past.

Se teme que la robotización desmotive a los trabajadores manuales.

It is feared that robotization might demotivate manual workers.

Impersonal 'se' + subjunctive.

La falta de autonomía es, quizás, lo que más llega a desmotivar en este puesto.

The lack of autonomy is, perhaps, what demotivates the most in this position.

Relative pronoun 'lo que' + 'llegar a + infinitive'.

La erosión de los valores democráticos puede desmotivar la participación cívica de forma irreversible.

The erosion of democratic values can irreversibly demotivate civic participation.

Advanced vocabulary and abstract concepts.

Sería negligente ignorar cómo el clima organizacional puede desmotivar al capital humano.

It would be negligent to ignore how the organizational climate can demotivate human capital.

Conditional + infinitive + subordinate clause.

El nihilismo imperante en ciertos sectores tiende a desmotivar cualquier esfuerzo de reforma social.

The prevailing nihilism in certain sectors tends to demotivate any effort for social reform.

Complex subject with 'nihilismo' and 'imperante'.

No es infrecuente que la sobreexposición mediática acabe por desmotivar al artista más curtido.

It is not uncommon for media overexposure to end up demotivating the most seasoned artist.

Double negative 'no es infrecuente' + subjunctive.

La desidia institucional no hace sino desmotivar a quienes aún creen en el cambio.

Institutional apathy does nothing but demotivate those who still believe in change.

Idiomatic construction 'no hace sino + infinitive'.

Es imperativo mitigar los elementos que desmotiven la creatividad en la infancia.

It is imperative to mitigate the elements that demotivate creativity in childhood.

Subjunctive in a relative clause with an indefinite antecedent.

La ausencia de una narrativa coherente terminó por desmotivar a la militancia del partido.

The absence of a coherent narrative ended up demotivating the party's grassroots.

Periphrasis 'terminó por' + abstract object.

Si se permitiera que la apatía desmotivara al cuerpo docente, el sistema colapsaría.

If apathy were allowed to demotivate the teaching staff, the system would collapse.

Past subjunctive in a 'si' clause + conditional.

Common Collocations

desmotivar al personal

desmotivar al alumnado

terminar por desmotivar

llegar a desmotivar

factores que desmotivan

desmotivar la iniciativa

sentirse desmotivado

fácil de desmotivar

desmotivar profundamente

no te desmotives

Common Phrases

Me desmotiva que...

— Used to express what specifically causes you to lose drive.

Me desmotiva que no valoren mi trabajo.

Es desmotivador ver...

— Used to describe a situation that is inherently demotivating.

Es desmotivador ver tanta basura en la calle.

Sin desmotivar a nadie

— A phrase used before saying something that might be discouraging.

Sin desmotivar a nadie, el examen será muy difícil.

Estar totalmente desmotivado

— To have zero drive or interest left.

Tras el fracaso, estaba totalmente desmotivado.

Cero ganas, estoy desmotivado

— Informal way to say you have no desire because of demotivation.

Hoy tengo cero ganas, estoy desmotivado.

Lo que más desmotiva es...

— Identifying the primary cause of demotivation.

Lo que más desmotiva es la falta de tiempo.

No dejes que te desmotiven

— Advice to ignore negative influences.

No dejes que sus comentarios te desmotiven.

Para no desmotivar...

— In order to avoid causing someone to lose interest.

Para no desmotivar a los niños, les dimos un premio a todos.

Se nota desmotivado

— Used when someone's lack of drive is visible.

Se nota desmotivado desde que cambió de jefe.

Combatir la desmotivación

— To take actions to increase drive again.

Hicimos un viaje para combatir la desmotivación del grupo.

Often Confused With

desmotivar vs desanimar

Desanimar is more about general mood; desmotivar is about the specific reason to act.

desmotivar vs decepcionar

Decepcionar is to disappoint; this feeling often leads to being desmotivado later.

desmotivar vs frustrar

Frustrar is when a path is blocked; desmotivar is when you no longer want to take the path.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pinchar el globo"

— Literally 'to pop the balloon'; metaphorically to ruin someone's enthusiasm or demotivate them.

Iba a viajar, pero mi jefe me pinchó el globo con más trabajo.

informal

"Echar un jarro de agua fría"

— To throw a jug of cold water; to give news that suddenly demotivates or discourages someone.

La noticia del despido fue como un jarro de agua fría.

neutral

"Cortar las alas"

— To cut someone's wings; to prevent someone from succeeding or demotivate their ambition.

Sus críticas le cortaron las alas antes de empezar.

neutral

"Bajar los brazos"

— To lower one's arms; to give up or stop trying due to demotivation.

No bajes los brazos ahora que estás tan cerca.

neutral

"Estar por los suelos"

— To be on the floor; used for morale or motivation that is extremely low.

Mi ánimo está por los suelos después de hoy.

informal

"Tirar la toalla"

— To throw in the towel; to quit because you are desmotivado.

Estuvo a punto de tirar la toalla en el segundo año.

neutral

"Quedarse frío"

— To stay cold; to be left without reaction or motivation after a shock.

Me quedé frío cuando me dijeron que el proyecto se cancelaba.

informal

"Hacerse cuesta arriba"

— To become uphill; when a task becomes so demotivating it feels physically difficult.

Se me hace cuesta arriba ir a trabajar los lunes.

neutral

"Perder el norte"

— To lose the north; to lose one's direction or motive.

Sin un objetivo claro, es fácil perder el norte y desmotivarse.

neutral

"Estar de capa caída"

— To be in a state of declining spirit or motivation.

El negocio está de capa caída últimamente.

informal

Easily Confused

desmotivar vs desanimar

Both mean 'to discourage'.

Desanimar is broader and emotional. Desmotivar is specifically about losing the 'motive' or 'incentive'. You can be desanimado (sad) but still have a motive, whereas being desmotivado implies the reason to act is gone.

La lluvia me desanima (makes me sad), pero no me desmotiva para correr (doesn't take away my reason to run).

desmotivar vs desincentivar

Both relate to losing drive.

Desincentivar is almost exclusively used in economics or formal policy to talk about removing rewards or making a behavior less attractive through external means (like taxes).

El gobierno quiere desincentivar el uso de plástico.

desmotivar vs deprimir

Both involve low energy.

Deprimir is a clinical or deep emotional state of sadness. Desmotivar is specifically about the lack of drive for a task or goal. You can be desmotivado without being depressed.

Esta película me deprime, pero este trabajo me desmotiva.

desmotivar vs aburrir

Boredom leads to demotivation.

Aburrir is about lack of interest or entertainment in the moment. Desmotivar is a deeper loss of the underlying reason to engage with something over time.

La clase me aburre, y eso termina por desmotivarme.

desmotivar vs disuadir

Both involve stopping an action.

Disuadir is the active act of convincing someone NOT to do something. Desmotivar is the internal loss of drive, which may or may not be caused by someone else's persuasion.

Me disuadió de comprar el coche, lo cual me desmotivó para seguir buscando.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + me desmotiva.

La tarea me desmotiva.

No quiero [Infinitive] + a + [Person].

No quiero desmotivar a mi amigo.

Es fácil desmotivarse por [Noun].

Es fácil desmotivarse por las críticas.

Estar + desmotivado/a.

Estoy muy desmotivada hoy.

Me preocupa que [Subjunctive].

Me preocupa que el equipo se desmotive.

Terminar por + desmotivar.

El ruido terminó por desmotivar a todos.

[Abstract Noun] puede desmotivar [Abstract Object].

La falta de ética puede desmotivar la confianza.

No hace sino + desmotivar.

Su actitud no hace sino desmotivar al grupo.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional, academic, and psychological contexts.

Common Mistakes

Me desmotivo de estudiar. → Me desmotiva estudiar / Me desmotivo para estudiar.
In Spanish, we don't usually use 'de' after 'desmotivar' to indicate the activity. Use the infinitive directly or the preposition 'para'.
El jefe desmotiva los trabajadores. → El jefe desmotiva a los trabajadores.
You must use the personal 'a' when the direct object is a person or group of people.
Yo desmotivo cuando no hay sol. → Me desmotivo cuando no hay sol.
Without the 'me', the sentence means 'I demotivate [someone else]'. To say you feel demotivated, you must use the reflexive form.
Estoy desmotivado por el lluvia. → Estoy desmotivado por la lluvia.
'Lluvia' is a feminine noun, so it must be 'la lluvia'. Also, ensure the adjective 'desmotivado' matches your gender.
No desmuetives a tu equipo. → No desmotives a tu equipo.
Desmotivar is a regular verb. It does not have a stem change (o -> ue).

Tips

Use the Personal 'A'

Always remember to add 'a' before a person when using 'desmotivar'. Example: 'No desmotives a tu hermano'. This is a common mistake for English speakers.

Learn the Adjective

The adjective 'desmotivador' is very useful. You can describe a situation as 'una situación desmotivadora' (a demotivating situation).

The Reflexive 'Me'

When talking about your own feelings, use 'me desmotivo' or 'estoy desmotivado'. Native speakers use the reflexive form very often to describe their inner state.

Business Spanish

In a job interview, you might be asked: '¿Qué cosas le desmotivan?'. Be prepared to answer this using 'me desmotiva que...' followed by the subjunctive.

Desmotivar vs. Desanimar

Use 'desanimar' for a friend who is sad, but 'desmotivar' for a colleague who isn't working well because they don't see the point anymore.

Avoid Repetition

If you have already used 'desmotivar' in a paragraph, switch to 'quitar el entusiasmo' or 'desalentar' to keep your writing interesting.

Listen for 'DES-'

Many Spanish verbs start with 'des-' to show the opposite action. If you know 'motivar', you can easily guess 'desmotivar' even if you haven't heard it before.

Stress the Ending

Like all -ar verbs in the infinitive, the stress is on the last syllable. Say: des-mo-ti-VAR. This makes you sound much more natural.

Encouragement

In Spanish, it's very common to say '¡No te desmotives!' to someone who is struggling. It's a key phrase for being a supportive friend.

Root Recognition

Always look for the root 'motiv-'. This will help you connect 'desmotivar' to 'motivo', 'motivación', and 'motivar', building a stronger mental map.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the prefix 'DES-' as 'DESTROY'. You are DESTROYING the MOTIVATION. DES-MOTIVAR.

Visual Association

Imagine a car (your motivation) with a flat tire (the 'des-' prefix). The car can't move anymore.

Word Web

motivo meta ganas esfuerzo éxito fracaso apoyo crítica

Challenge

Try to write three things that 'te desmotivan' and three things that 'te motivan' in Spanish today.

Word Origin

Formed in Spanish by adding the prefix 'des-' (meaning negation or reversal) to the verb 'motivar'. 'Motivar' comes from the noun 'motivo', which traces back to the Late Latin 'motivus' (moving, causing motion).

Original meaning: To reverse the cause of motion or action.

Romance (Spanish)

Cultural Context

Be careful when telling someone they are 'desmotivado'; it can sound like a criticism of their character or work ethic.

Similar to 'demotivate', but 'desmotivar' is used more frequently in academic and educational contexts in Spanish.

Many self-help books in Spanish, like those by Alex Rovira, discuss how to avoid 'la desmotivación'. Educational reforms in Latin America often cite 'desmotivar al alumno' as a primary reason for high dropout rates. The song 'Motivos' by Abel Pintos talks about the reasons to stay, the opposite of being 'desmotivado'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

clima laboral
falta de incentivos
reconocimiento
baja laboral

Education

fracaso escolar
método de enseñanza
interés del alumno
evaluación

Sports

perder el partido
entrenamiento duro
lesión
espíritu de equipo

Personal Goals

perder el norte
seguir adelante
obstáculos
fuerza de voluntad

Politics

desencanto social
abstención
promesas incumplidas
corrupción

Conversation Starters

"¿Qué es lo que más te desmotiva en tu trabajo actual?"

"¿Alguna vez te has sentido desmotivado al aprender español?"

"¿Crees que las redes sociales nos motivan o nos desmotivan?"

"¿Qué haces cuando empiezas a desmotivarte con un proyecto?"

"¿Cómo puede un profesor evitar desmotivar a sus alumnos?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre un momento en el que te sentiste muy desmotivado y cómo lo superaste.

¿Qué factores externos tienen el poder de desmotivarte más rápidamente?

Reflexiona sobre cómo el sistema educativo puede desmotivar la creatividad.

Haz una lista de cosas que te motivan y cosas que te desmotivan cada día.

¿Cómo podrías ayudar a un amigo que se siente desmotivado con sus metas?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Sí, 'desmotivar' es un verbo regular terminado en -ar. Sigue el mismo patrón de conjugación que 'hablar' o 'cantar' en todos los tiempos y modos. Por ejemplo: yo desmotivo, tú desmotivas, él desmotivó, nosotros desmotivaremos.

'Desanimar' se refiere más al estado de ánimo o espíritu (ánimo), mientras que 'desmotivar' se refiere específicamente a la pérdida de los motivos o razones para hacer algo. Puedes estar desanimado (triste) pero seguir motivado, aunque generalmente van de la mano.

Se dice 'Estoy desmotivado' (si eres hombre) o 'Estoy desmotivada' (si eres mujer). También puedes usar el reflexivo: 'Me he desmotivado' (I have become demotivated).

Debes usarlo cuando la acción recae sobre el propio sujeto (desmotivarse). Ejemplo: 'Me desmotivo fácilmente'. Si tú causas que otra persona pierda la motivación, no usas el reflexivo: 'El jefe desmotiva a los empleados'.

Sí, es una palabra muy común en entornos laborales ('desmotivación laboral'). Se usa para hablar de la falta de ganas de los trabajadores, a menudo por culpa de los bajos salarios o el mal ambiente.

Generalmente no. Se desmotiva a personas o grupos de personas. Sin embargo, puedes decir que algo 'desmotiva la inversión' o 'desmotiva el consumo', refiriéndose a que quita las ganas a los inversores o consumidores de actuar.

El sustantivo es 'desmotivación'. Ejemplo: 'Hay mucha desmotivación en la oficina últimamente'. Es una palabra femenina.

No es la forma más común. Lo normal es decir 'me desmotiva para estudiar' o simplemente 'me desmotiva estudiar'. El uso de 'de' suele ser un error de traducción del inglés.

Se suele usar 'por' para indicar la causa ('se desmotivó por las críticas') o 'con' ('me desmotiva con su actitud'). Para el objetivo, se usa 'para' ('me desmotivó para seguir adelante').

Sí, describe la pérdida de algo positivo (la motivación). Por eso, casi siempre se usa en contextos de queja, análisis de problemas o consejos para evitar que ocurra.