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B1 verb 11 min read

desmotivar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips desmotivar in 30 Seconds

Explanation desmotivar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'desmotivar' as the opposite of 'wanting to do something'. It is a big word, but the idea is simple: it is when you lose the 'will' or 'interest' in an activity. Imagine you like playing soccer, but then it starts to rain every day. The rain might 'desmotivar' you. In A1, we focus on basic sentences like 'Eu não quero' (I don't want to). 'Desmotivar' is a more advanced way to explain *why* you don't want to do it anymore. It is related to the word 'motivo' (reason/motive). If you have no 'motivo', you are 'desmotivado'. For beginners, just remember that 'desmotivar' means 'to take away the interest'. You might hear a teacher say: 'Não se desmotive!' which means 'Don't lose your interest!'. It is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it conjugates like 'falar' or 'estudar'. This makes it easier to use once you learn the basic verb endings. Even if you don't use it yet, recognizing it will help you understand when people talk about their hobbies or work. It is a useful word for expressing feelings about why you might stop doing something you once liked. Keep it simple: Motivar = Yes, I want to! Desmotivar = No, I don't feel like it anymore because of something.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'desmotivar' to talk about your routine and feelings. You are moving beyond simple 'yes' and 'no' and explaining your states of mind. 'Desmotivar' is used when something external makes you lose your enthusiasm. For example, if you are studying Portuguese and the grammar is very difficult, you might say: 'A gramática difícil me desmotiva' (The difficult grammar demotivates me). At this level, it is important to notice that the word often has an object—the person who is losing motivation. You can also use the adjective form 'desmotivado' to describe yourself: 'Hoje eu estou desmotivado' (Today I am demotivated). This is very common when talking about work or school. You will also see it in simple news headlines or social media posts. The key for A2 learners is to practice the present tense: 'Isso me desmotiva', 'Eles se desmotivam'. Also, start noticing the difference between 'desmotivar' and 'desanimar'. While 'desanimar' is more about feeling 'down' or 'sad', 'desmotivar' is specifically about the 'motive' or 'reason' to act. If you lose your reason to study, you are 'desmotivado'. It is a great word to add to your vocabulary for talking about your learning journey and your professional life in a more nuanced way.

As a B1 learner, you should be able to use 'desmotivar' in various contexts, including professional and academic settings. At this level, you understand that 'desmotivar' is a transitive verb that describes the impact of an event or situation on someone's drive. You should be comfortable using it pronominally: 'Eu me desmotivei com os resultados' (I became demotivated with the results). You should also be able to discuss 'fatores desmotivadores' (demotivating factors) in a work environment. This is a common topic for B1 level speaking exams where you might have to talk about your job. You understand that 'desmotivar' is more than just feeling tired; it is a psychological state where the incentive to perform is reduced. You can use it to give advice: 'Não deixe que pequenos erros te desmotivem' (Don't let small mistakes demotivate you). At B1, you also begin to use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as using it with the infinitive: 'É fácil desmotivar os alunos se as aulas forem chatas'. You should also be aware of the noun form, 'desmotivação'. For example: 'A desmotivação é um grande problema nas empresas modernas'. Using this word correctly shows that you can discuss abstract concepts like motivation and productivity, which are essential for reaching an intermediate level of fluency in Portuguese.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'desmotivar' with precision and in more sophisticated grammatical constructions. You understand the subtle differences between 'desmotivar', 'desestimular', and 'desanimar'. In a business or academic discussion, you might use 'desmotivar' to analyze complex cause-and-effect relationships. For example: 'A falta de perspectivas de ascensão na carreira tende a desmotivar os colaboradores de alto potencial'. Here, you are using the verb to describe a systemic issue. You should also be able to use the verb in the subjunctive mood to express hypothetical situations: 'Se a empresa não mudar a política de bônus, temo que isso desmotive a equipe de vendas'. At B2, your vocabulary should include related terms like 'desmotivador' (adjective) and 'desmotivação' (noun), and you should use them naturally in both written and spoken Portuguese. You can also use 'desmotivar' in the passive voice: 'Os pesquisadores foram desmotivados pela falta de verbas'. This level of usage shows that you can handle more formal registers and discuss psychological and organizational topics with confidence. You should also be able to identify and use common collocations, such as 'desmotivar profundamente' or 'fatores que desmotivam'. Your ability to use 'desmotivar' to describe not just personal feelings but also broader social and economic trends is a hallmark of the B2 level.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'desmotivar' and its role in the Portuguese language. You can use it to articulate nuanced psychological states and complex organizational dynamics. You are aware of the word's etymology and how it fits into the broader family of words related to 'motus' (movement). In high-level debates or essays, you might use 'desmotivar' to discuss the erosion of civic engagement or the impact of neoliberal policies on the workforce. For example: 'A precarização do trabalho não apenas reduz a renda, mas desmotiva ontologicamente o trabalhador, retirando o sentido de sua atividade'. This shows a level of sophistication where the word is used to explore philosophical or sociological themes. You can also use it in rhetorical ways, perhaps in a speech to inspire others by identifying what *should not* demotivate them. Your use of 'desmotivar' is seamless, and you can switch between registers—from a casual conversation about a hobby to a formal presentation on human resources—without effort. You are also sensitive to the regional differences in pronoun placement (proclisis vs. enclisis) when using the pronominal form 'desmotivar-se' in European vs. Brazilian Portuguese. At C1, 'desmotivar' is not just a word you know; it is a tool you use with precision and stylistic flair to convey exact meanings in diverse and challenging contexts.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'desmotivar' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the word with an intuitive grasp of its connotations, rhythm, and placement within a sentence. You can deploy it in literary analysis, scientific discourse, or high-stakes negotiations. You might explore the semantic boundaries between 'desmotivar' and more obscure synonyms like 'desalentar' or 'esmorecer' in a creative writing context. For instance, you could write: 'O silêncio absoluto do deserto parecia desmotivar qualquer tentativa de sobrevivência, transformando a esperança em um fardo pesado'. Here, 'desmotivar' is used to create a specific atmosphere. You are also capable of discussing the psychological nuances of 'desmotivação' in a clinical or academic setting, perhaps referencing theories of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. In professional environments, you can use the word to navigate delicate interpersonal situations, perhaps by identifying 'fatores desmotivadores' in a way that is constructive and diplomatic. Your command of the language allows you to use 'desmotivar' in complex, multi-clause sentences that maintain perfect grammatical integrity and clear meaning. At this level, you don't just use the word correctly; you use it to influence, describe, and analyze the world at the highest level of linguistic sophistication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

desmotivar in 30 Seconds

Desmotivar means to demotivate or discourage someone from acting.
It is a regular -ar verb, frequently used pronominally (desmotivar-se).
Common in professional, educational, and sports contexts in Portuguese.
It is the direct linguistic and psychological opposite of 'motivar'.

The Portuguese verb desmotivar is a powerful and frequently used term that describes the process of losing or removing the drive to act, achieve, or participate. At its core, it is the direct opposite of motivar (to motivate). In Portuguese, this word is not just a clinical or professional term; it permeates daily life, describing the emotional state where the 'spark' or 'will' to perform a task vanishes. When you use desmotivar, you are often talking about the psychological impact of external circumstances or internal reflections that lead to a decrease in enthusiasm. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes an object—something or someone causes the demotivation. However, it is also frequently used in its pronominal form, desmotivar-se, to describe the act of becoming demotivated within oneself.

Professional Context: In the workplace, managers often worry about factors that might desmotivar their team, such as low salaries, lack of recognition, or poor communication. It is a key term in Human Resources and organizational psychology.

A falta de feedback constante pode desmotivar até os funcionários mais dedicados da empresa.

Educational Context: Teachers use this word when discussing student engagement. A curriculum that is too difficult or too easy can equally desmotivar students, leading to a drop in grades and interest.

Métodos de ensino ultrapassados tendem a desmotivar os jovens que buscam inovação.

Culturally, in Brazil and Portugal, there is a strong emphasis on 'ânimo' (spirit/energy). To desmotivar someone is seen as a significant negative action because it attacks their 'ânimo'. In social circles, friends might warn each other not to let a bad experience desmotivar them from pursuing a dream. It is a word that carries weight because it touches on the human spirit's fuel. Whether you are talking about a diet, a new hobby, or a career path, desmotivar is the enemy of progress. It is often paired with adjectives like profundamente (deeply) or facilmente (easily) to describe the intensity or frequency of the loss of motivation.

É fácil se desmotivar quando os resultados não aparecem nos primeiros meses de treino.

Personal Growth: In the context of self-help and personal development, the word is used to identify obstacles. Identifying what desmotiva you is the first step toward building a more resilient mindset.

Não deixe que as críticas alheias venham a te desmotivar agora.

As notícias negativas na televisão podem desmotivar a população em relação ao futuro do país.

In summary, desmotivar is used whenever there is a reduction in the psychological energy required to pursue a goal. It is a versatile verb applicable to individuals, groups, and even entire societies. By understanding its nuances, you can better describe the challenges of maintaining momentum in any endeavor.

Using desmotivar correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb or a pronominal verb. When used transitively, it means 'to demotivate someone or something'. When used pronominally (desmotivar-se), it means 'to become demotivated'. This distinction is crucial for natural-sounding Portuguese. Let us explore the different grammatical structures and contexts where this verb shines.

Transitive Usage (Subject + Verb + Object): This is the most common form. You identify what is causing the loss of motivation and who is being affected. For example: 'A chuva desmotivou os atletas'. Here, the rain is the cause, and the athletes are the recipients.

O excesso de burocracia acaba por desmotivar os novos empreendedores.

Pronominal Usage (Subject + Reflexive Pronoun + Verb): When the subject is the one losing motivation, we use reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos). Example: 'Eu me desmotivei com o curso'. This indicates an internal process or reaction.

Muitos alunos se desmotivam durante o inverno rigoroso.

In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, desmotivar is often used in the passive voice to highlight the state of the group. For instance: 'A equipe foi desmotivada pelas mudanças repentinas'. Here, the past participle desmotivado(a) acts almost like an adjective, describing the condition of the team members. This is a very common way to report on morale within an organization.

Nada deve desmotivar você de alcançar seus objetivos de longo prazo.

Using with Prepositions: While 'desmotivar' itself doesn't always require a preposition for its object, the reason for demotivation is often introduced by 'com' or 'por'. Example: 'Ele se desmotivou com a nota baixa'.

Não queremos desmotivar ninguém, mas o projeto será cancelado.

Finally, consider the imperative mood. While rare to tell someone 'desmotive-se' (demotivate yourself!), you will often hear the negative imperative: 'Não se desmotive!' (Don't get demotivated!). This is a common phrase of encouragement. Mastering these various structures will allow you to express complex ideas about motivation and its absence with precision and natural flow.

The word desmotivar is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking societies, echoing through various domains of life. If you are in a corporate office in São Paulo or Lisbon, you will hear it during performance reviews and strategy meetings. Managers discuss 'fatores desmotivadores' (demotivating factors) to prevent turnover. It is a standard part of the 'corporatês' (corporate speak) used to address employee engagement and morale. In this setting, the word is treated with professional gravity, as demotivation is directly linked to productivity losses.

In the News and Media: Journalists often use 'desmotivar' when reporting on economic crises or social issues. You might hear: 'A alta dos preços pode desmotivar o consumo das famílias'. It describes a broad social trend where people lose the will to spend or invest.

O comentarista afirmou que as novas regras podem desmotivar o investimento estrangeiro no país.

In Schools and Universities: Education is perhaps where the word is most poignant. Teachers and parents frequently discuss what might desmotivar a child. Is it the difficulty of the math problems? The lack of interactive tools? The word is central to pedagogical debates about how to keep students curious and active.

A reprovação repetida pode desmotivar o aluno a continuar os estudos secundários.

In the realm of sports, particularly in soccer-obsessed nations like Brazil and Portugal, desmotivar is used by commentators to describe a team's reaction after conceding a goal. If a team stops fighting or loses their tactical discipline, the narrator might say: 'O gol precoce parece ter desmotivado a equipe visitante'. It captures that moment when the psychological momentum shifts and the players' body language changes.

O técnico tentou evitar que a derrota viesse a desmotivar os jogadores para a final.

Everyday Conversations: Between friends, it is used to express empathy or give advice. 'Não se deixe desmotivar por bobagens' (Don't let yourself get demotivated by nonsense). It is a way of acknowledging someone's struggle while encouraging resilience.

Eu ia começar a academia hoje, mas essa chuva acabou me desmotivando.

Whether you are reading a serious editorial in 'O Globo' or 'Público', or just chatting with a neighbor about their garden, desmotivar is the go-to verb for describing the loss of that essential human drive. Its frequency in both high and low registers makes it an indispensable part of your B1-level Portuguese vocabulary.

Even for intermediate learners, desmotivar can present some pitfalls. The most frequent errors involve confusion with similar-sounding words, incorrect preposition usage, and failing to use the pronominal form when necessary. Understanding these common mistakes will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid ambiguity in your communication.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Desmotivar' with 'Desanimar': While they are close synonyms, desanimar is often more emotional and general ('to lose heart' or 'to get discouraged'), whereas desmotivar is more about the 'reason' or 'motive' for action. You 'desanima' when you are sad; you 'desmotiva' when you no longer see the point in doing something.

Errado: Eu desmotivei de ir à festa. (Better: Eu desanimei de ir à festa.)
Correto: A falta de prêmios pode desmotivar a participação.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun: English speakers often say 'I demotivated' instead of 'I became demotivated'. In Portuguese, if you are the one experiencing the loss of motivation, you MUST use the reflexive pronoun. Saying 'Eu desmotivei' sounds incomplete to a native ear; it should be 'Eu me desmotivei'.

Depois de tantas falhas, ele se desmotivou completamente.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Preposition after the Verb: When explaining why someone is demotivated, learners often use 'de' when 'com' or 'por' is more appropriate. 'Desmotivado com o trabalho' is the standard way to say 'demotivated with work'.

Não se desmotive pelas dificuldades iniciais do aprendizado.

Mistake 4: Overusing it in place of 'Frustrar': Sometimes a person isn't just demotivated; they are frustrated. If a plan fails, frustrar is often a better choice. Desmotivar implies a loss of future intent, while frustrar focuses on the disappointment of a past event.

A notícia do cancelamento frustrou os fãs, mas não os desmotivou a seguir a banda.

By paying attention to these nuances—especially the pronominal usage and the distinction from 'desanimar'—you will use desmotivar with the precision of a native speaker. Practice these distinctions in your writing to solidify your understanding.

Portuguese is a rich language with many synonyms for the loss of motivation, each carrying a slightly different 'flavor' or register. Understanding these alternatives will allow you to vary your vocabulary and express specific nuances of discouragement. Here is a comparison of desmotivar with its closest relatives.

Desmotivar vs. Desanimar: As mentioned before, desanimar is more about the spirit (ânimo). You can 'desanimar' because you are tired or sad. Desmotivar is more logical; it's about the 'why'. If the reason for doing something is gone, you are desmotivado.

Ele está desanimado hoje porque está chovendo, mas não está desmotivado com o projeto.

Desmotivar vs. Desalentar: Desalentar is a more formal and poetic word. It literally means 'to take away the breath' or 'to discourage deeply'. You find this more in literature than in a business meeting.

As constantes derrotas acabaram por desalentar o velho guerreiro.

Desmotivar vs. Desestimular: Desestimular is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably in professional contexts. It means 'to discourage' or 'to remove the stimulus'. It is slightly more objective and less emotional than 'desmotivar'.

O governo criou taxas para desestimular o uso de sacolas plásticas.

Desmotivar vs. Abater: Abater means 'to bring down' or 'to weaken'. When used in a psychological sense, it describes someone who is very discouraged, almost to the point of sadness or exhaustion. It is a stronger, more physical word.

Ele ficou visivelmente abatido após receber a notícia, o que o desmotivou a continuar.

Choosing between these words depends on whether you want to emphasize the lack of a reason (desmotivar), the lack of energy (desanimar), the lack of stimulus (desestimular), or a deeper emotional blow (desalentar or abater). Having these options makes your Portuguese more expressive and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'mot' is shared with 'motor', 'mobile', and 'emotion'. So, to 'desmotivar' someone is literally to stop their internal motor.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dez.mu.ti.ˈvaɾ/

US /dez.mo.ti.ˈvaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: 'var'.

Rhymes With

cantar falar andar amar olhar chegar pensar estudar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as 'ss' instead of 'z'. In 'desmotivar', the 's' is voiced.
Stressing the 'ti' instead of the 'var'.
Pronouncing 'des' like English 'dess' instead of 'dehz'.
Mixing up the 'o' sound with 'u' in some dialects where it is not appropriate.
Not rolling or properly aspirating the final 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because of its English cognate 'demotivate'.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of reflexive pronouns and correct preposition usage.

Speaking 4/5

The 'z' sound for 's' and the final 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects, easily identifiable in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

motivar motivo querer fazer ânimo

Learn Next

estimular incentivar desanimar perspicácia empenho

Advanced

esmorecer desalentar prostrar abulia apatia

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronouns with Verbs

Eu me desmotivei (I got demotivated).

Negative Imperative

Não se desmotive (Don't get demotivated).

Subjunctive after 'querer que' or 'deixar que'

Não quero que isso te desmotive.

Future Subjunctive for Hypotheses

Se você se desmotivar, pare um pouco.

Preposition 'com' for cause

Ela se desmotivou com a notícia.

Examples by Level

A chuva pode desmotivar você?

Can the rain demotivate you?

Simple present tense with modal 'pode'.

Eu não quero desmotivar meu amigo.

I don't want to demotivate my friend.

Infinitive form after 'querer'.

Ele se desmotiva muito rápido.

He gets demotivated very fast.

Pronominal use (reflexive).

O cansaço desmotiva os alunos.

Tiredness demotivates the students.

Subject-Verb-Object structure.

Não se desmotive com isso!

Don't get demotivated by that!

Negative imperative.

A comida ruim desmotiva o cliente.

Bad food demotivates the customer.

Simple present.

Nós nos desmotivamos no inverno.

We get demotivated in the winter.

Reflexive 'nos' for 'nós'.

O barulho desmotiva o meu estudo.

The noise demotivates my study.

Transitive usage.

As notas baixas desmotivam os estudantes.

Low grades demotivate the students.

Plural subject and verb.

Ela se desmotivou depois do jogo.

She got demotivated after the game.

Preterite (past tense) reflexive.

O chefe nunca tenta desmotivar a equipe.

The boss never tries to demotivate the team.

Negative 'nunca' placement.

Você se desmotiva com facilidade?

Do you get demotivated easily?

Interrogative sentence.

O trânsito desmotiva as pessoas de sair.

Traffic demotivates people from going out.

Verb + Object + Prepositional phrase.

Eles não querem se desmotivar agora.

They don't want to get demotivated now.

Reflexive pronoun after 'querer'.

A falta de sol me desmotiva um pouco.

The lack of sun demotivates me a bit.

Direct object pronoun 'me'.

Isso pode desmotivar o seu progresso.

This can demotivate your progress.

Modal 'pode' with infinitive.

É importante identificar o que pode desmotivar os funcionários.

It is important to identify what can demotivate the employees.

Impersonal 'É importante' structure.

Muitas pessoas se desmotivam por causa do salário baixo.

Many people get demotivated because of the low salary.

Compound preposition 'por causa de'.

Não deixe que as críticas alheias venham a te desmotivar.

Don't let others' criticisms demotivate you.

Subjunctive mood after 'deixe que'.

A equipe se desmotivou após o cancelamento do projeto.

The team got demotivated after the project cancellation.

Reflexive preterite.

O excesso de trabalho tende a desmotivar os profissionais.

Overwork tends to demotivate professionals.

Verb 'tender a' + infinitive.

Se você se desmotivar, lembre-se do seu objetivo final.

If you get demotivated, remember your final goal.

Future subjunctive in the 'if' clause.

A falta de reconhecimento desmotiva até os melhores talentos.

Lack of recognition demotivates even the best talents.

Use of 'até' for emphasis.

O clima organizacional ruim desmotiva toda a empresa.

A bad organizational climate demotivates the whole company.

Adjective 'organizacional' modifying 'clima'.

Mudanças repentinas na gestão podem desmotivar o corpo docente.

Sudden changes in management can demotivate the teaching staff.

Specific collective noun 'corpo docente'.

É comum que atletas se desmotivem após uma lesão grave.

It is common for athletes to get demotivated after a serious injury.

Subjunctive 'se desmotivem' after 'É comum que'.

O autor discute fatores que desmotivam a participação política.

The author discusses factors that demotivate political participation.

Relative clause 'que desmotivam'.

Nada deveria desmotivar um cientista em busca da verdade.

Nothing should demotivate a scientist in search of the truth.

Conditional 'deveria'.

A burocracia estatal costuma desmotivar o pequeno investidor.

State bureaucracy usually demotivates the small investor.

Verb 'costumar' indicating habit.

A empresa teme que a nova política venha a desmotivar a equipe.

The company fears that the new policy might demotivate the team.

Subjunctive 'venha a desmotivar' expressing fear.

Eles se desmotivaram profundamente com a falta de ética na política.

They got deeply demotivated by the lack of ethics in politics.

Adverb 'profundamente' modifying the verb.

O treinador evitou falar sobre a derrota para não desmotivar o time.

The coach avoided talking about the defeat so as not to demotivate the team.

Finality clause 'para não'.

A apatia social pode desmotivar as iniciativas de voluntariado.

Social apathy can demotivate volunteering initiatives.

Abstract nouns like 'apatia' and 'iniciativas'.

Seria imprudente desmotivar os jovens talentos com críticas acerbas.

It would be unwise to demotivate young talents with harsh criticism.

Conditional 'seria' and adjective 'acerbas'.

O declínio econômico desmotiva o empreendedorismo em larga escala.

Economic decline demotivates entrepreneurship on a large scale.

Prepositional phrase 'em larga escala'.

Contanto que nada os desmotive, o projeto será um sucesso.

As long as nothing demotivates them, the project will be a success.

Conjunction 'contanto que' requiring the subjunctive.

A falta de incentivos fiscais desmotiva a inovação tecnológica.

The lack of tax incentives demotivates technological innovation.

Technical terms 'incentivos fiscais' and 'inovação tecnológica'.

Há quem diga que o excesso de facilidade pode desmotivar o gênio.

Some say that too much ease can demotivate a genius.

Relative pronoun 'quem' with indicative.

O líder deve agir antes que a frustração desmotive o grupo.

The leader must act before frustration demotivates the group.

Conjunction 'antes que' requiring the subjunctive.

Desmotivar um aliado é o primeiro passo para a derrota diplomática.

Demotivating an ally is the first step toward diplomatic defeat.

Infinitive used as a subject noun.

A obsolescência programada pode desmotivar a fidelidade à marca.

Planned obsolescence can demotivate brand loyalty.

Advanced marketing/economic terminology.

Instaurou-se um clima de pessimismo capaz de desmotivar o país.

A climate of pessimism has set in, capable of demotivating the country.

Passive voice with 'se' (reflexive passive).

Não se deve desmotivar o ímpeto criativo com amarras burocráticas.

One should not demotivate creative impetus with bureaucratic ties.

Impersonal 'se' and metaphorical language.

A sutil desatenção do mestre bastou para desmotivar o discípulo.

The master's subtle inattention was enough to demotivate the disciple.

Nuanced subject 'sutil desatenção'.

O niilismo contemporâneo tende a desmotivar a busca por sentido.

Contemporary nihilism tends to demotivate the search for meaning.

Philosophical register.

Oxalá nada venha a desmotivar tamanha dedicação ao bem comum.

May nothing demotivate such dedication to the common good.

Archaic/Formal 'oxalá' with subjunctive.

A erosão dos valores democráticos desmotiva o engajamento cívico.

The erosion of democratic values demotivates civic engagement.

High-level political science terminology.

Desmotivar a prole é um erro pedagógico de consequências funestas.

Demotivating one's offspring is a pedagogical error with dire consequences.

Formal vocabulary like 'prole' and 'funestas'.

Common Collocations

desmotivar a equipe

desmotivar os alunos

fatores que desmotivam

desmotivar profundamente

se desmotivar facilmente

nada me desmotiva

desmotivar o investimento

desmotivar a participação

acabar por desmotivar

tentar não desmotivar

Common Phrases

Não se desmotive!

— A common phrase of encouragement meaning 'Don't give up' or 'Keep your spirits up'.

O caminho é longo, mas não se desmotive!

Isso me desmotiva.

— Used to express that something is taking away your drive.

Trabalhar no final de semana realmente me desmotiva.

O que te desmotiva?

— A question asking for the causes of someone's lack of interest.

Em um emprego, o que mais te desmotiva?

Desmotivado com a vida.

— A strong expression of general apathy or sadness.

Depois da perda, ele ficou desmotivado com a vida.

Fator desmotivador.

— A specific element that causes demotivation.

O barulho é um grande fator desmotivador para mim.

Sentir-se desmotivado.

— To experience the state of being demotivated.

É normal sentir-se desmotivado às vezes.

Desmotivar o consumo.

— An economic term for reducing spending.

A inflação acaba por desmotivar o consumo.

Totalmente desmotivado.

— Completely lacking in motivation.

Estou totalmente desmotivado para estudar hoje.

Sem querer desmotivar...

— A polite way to introduce negative news or a reality check.

Sem querer desmotivar, mas o projeto é muito difícil.

A desmotivação é contagiosa.

— A common saying in management about group morale.

Cuidado, pois a desmotivação é contagiosa em uma equipe.

Often Confused With

desmotivar vs desanimar

Desanimar is more emotional (losing heart), while desmotivar is more logical (losing the reason to act).

desmotivar vs desestimular

Desestimular is often used for external actions (discouraging someone), while desmotivar is more about the internal state.

desmotivar vs frustrar

Frustrar focuses on the disappointment of a failed expectation, not necessarily the loss of future drive.

Idioms & Expressions

"Perder o pique"

— To lose the momentum, energy, or motivation to continue something.

Eu estava animado com a dieta, mas perdi o pique.

informal

"Jogar a toalha"

— To give up completely because one is demotivated or defeated.

Depois de tentar três vezes, ele jogou a toalha.

informal

"Estar com a moral baixa"

— To be in a state of low morale or demotivation, especially in a group.

A equipe está com a moral baixa após a derrota.

neutral

"Ficar no meio do caminho"

— To stop doing something before finishing it due to lack of motivation.

Muitos começam o curso, mas ficam no meio do caminho.

informal

"Baixar a guarda"

— Sometimes used when someone loses the motivation to keep fighting or defending a position.

Não baixe a guarda nem se desmotive agora.

neutral

"Dar com os burros n'água"

— To fail after an effort, which often leads to being demotivated.

Ele tentou investir, mas deu com os burros n'água.

informal

"Estar de saco cheio"

— To be extremely fed up, which is a common precursor to being demotivated.

Estou de saco cheio desse trabalho, isso me desmotiva.

slang

"Pisar no freio"

— To slow down one's efforts, often due to a loss of motivation.

A empresa pisou no freio nos novos projetos.

informal

"Murchar"

— Literally 'to wither', used metaphorically when someone loses their enthusiasm.

Ele murchou quando ouviu a crítica.

informal

"Perder o tesão"

— A very common but slightly vulgar way to say one has lost the passion or motivation for something.

Perdi o tesão por esse projeto.

slang/informal

Easily Confused

desmotivar vs desanimar

Both mean losing enthusiasm.

Desanimar is general discouragement; desmotivar is specifically about the 'motive'. If you are tired, you are desanimado. If the pay is bad, you are desmotivado.

A chuva me desanimou, mas o salário baixo me desmotivou.

desmotivar vs desestimular

Both imply a reduction in drive.

Desestimular is usually an external action or policy meant to stop a behavior. Desmotivar is the psychological result.

O preço alto desestimula a compra.

desmotivar vs desperdiçar

Sounds slightly similar to some learners.

Desperdiçar means 'to waste'. It has nothing to do with motivation.

Não desperdice seu tempo.

desmotivar vs desmontar

Similar prefix and structure.

Desmontar means 'to disassemble' or 'to take apart' (like a machine).

Ele desmontou o brinquedo.

desmotivar vs desviar

Similar prefix.

Desviar means 'to divert' or 'to deviate'.

Não desvie do caminho.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + não + desmotiva + [Object]

O sol não desmotiva o João.

[Subject] + se desmotiva + [Adverb]

Ela se desmotiva facilmente.

É fácil + desmotivar + [Object]

É fácil desmotivar as crianças.

[Noun] + tende a + desmotivar + [Object]

A rotina tende a desmotivar os casais.

Antes que + [Subject] + desmotive + [Object]

Antes que o medo desmotive você, tente.

Oxalá + nada + venha a + desmotivar + [Object]

Oxalá nada venha a desmotivar sua fé.

[Object] + foi desmotivado + por + [Cause]

O time foi desmotivado pela derrota.

Se + [Subject] + se desmotivar...

Se ele se desmotivar, o projeto para.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in all registers, especially workplace and education.

Common Mistakes

Eu desmotivei. → Eu me desmotivei.
You must use the reflexive pronoun 'me' when the action happens to you.
Isso me desmotiva de trabalhar. → Isso me desmotiva a trabalhar / para o trabalho.
While 'de' is sometimes used, 'a' or 'para' often sounds more natural with the infinitive in this context.
O clima é muito desmotivado. → O clima é muito desmotivador.
Use 'desmotivador' for things that cause demotivation, and 'desmotivado' for people who feel it.
Eu estou desmotivo. → Eu estou desmotivado.
The adjective form is 'desmotivado', not the noun 'motivo'.
Não desmotiva! → Não se desmotive!
The imperative for 'don't get demotivated' requires the reflexive pronoun 'se'.

Tips

Reflexive Pronouns

Always use 'me', 'te', 'se', 'nos' when the subject is the one losing motivation. 'Eu me desmotivei' is the correct way to say 'I became demotivated'.

Adjective Forms

Don't confuse 'desmotivado' (the person feels this way) with 'desmotivador' (the thing causes this feeling). A 'chefe desmotivador' makes a 'funcionário desmotivado'.

Workplace Usage

In a job interview, talking about what 'te desmotiva' can be a tricky question. Focus on lack of challenges rather than lack of money.

The 'S' Sound

The 's' in 'desmotivar' sounds like a 'z' because it's followed by the voiced consonant 'm'. Practice saying 'dehz-mo-ti-var'.

Subjunctive Mood

Use the subjunctive after 'Não deixe que...' to give advice. 'Não deixe que isso te desmotive' is a very natural and helpful phrase.

Empathy

If a friend is struggling, ask 'O que está te desmotivando?' to show you care about the reasons for their struggle.

Word Families

Learn 'motivar', 'motivo', and 'motivação' alongside 'desmotivar' to build a strong cluster of related concepts in your mind.

Formal Reports

In business reports, use the noun 'desmotivação' to sound more objective. 'A desmotivação resultou em menor produtividade'.

Tone Matters

Native speakers often emphasize the 'des-' prefix when they are particularly frustrated with the cause of their demotivation.

Informal Alternatives

In casual settings, try using 'perder o pique' instead of 'se desmotivar' to sound more like a local.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'MOTIVator' being 'DES-troyed'. DES-MOTIV-AR is the act of destroying the motive.

Visual Association

Imagine a car (your motivation) and someone taking out the 'motor'. Without the motor, you are 'desmotivado'.

Word Web

Trabalho Escola Ânimo Desmotivar Desistir Cansaço Salário Crítica

Challenge

Write three things that 'desmotivam' you when learning a language, and three things that 'motivam' you. Use the verb in different persons.

Word Origin

Derived from the Portuguese word 'motivar', which comes from the Latin 'motivus' (moving, causing motion). The prefix 'des-' is of Latin origin, indicating negation or reversal.

Original meaning: To remove the motion or the cause of movement.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful when telling someone they are 'desmotivado', as it can imply a lack of effort or character in some contexts. It is better to focus on the 'fatores' (factors) that cause the state.

Similar to 'demotivate', but 'desmotivar' is used more broadly in casual conversation than 'demotivate' is in English.

Common topic in 'Autoajuda' (Self-help) books by authors like Augusto Cury. Frequently discussed in Brazilian business podcasts like 'ResumoCast'. A key concept in 'Pedagogia do Oprimido' by Paulo Freire regarding student engagement.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

Desmotivar a equipe
Fatores desmotivadores
Baixa motivação
Feedback negativo

Education

Desmotivar os alunos
Dificuldade da matéria
Falta de interesse
Métodos de ensino

Sports

Desmotivar o time
Derrota inesperada
Perder o ritmo
Falta de treino

Personal Goals

Não se desmotive
Manter o foco
Superar obstáculos
Cansaço mental

Economics

Desmotivar o consumo
Incerteza do mercado
Altas taxas
Crise financeira

Conversation Starters

"O que mais te desmotiva em um dia de trabalho estressante?"

"Você acha que as redes sociais podem desmotivar os jovens?"

"Como você faz para não se desmotivar quando comete um erro?"

"Você já teve um chefe que costumava desmotivar a equipe?"

"Quais são os maiores fatores que desmotivam alguém a aprender uma nova língua?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma situação em que você se sentiu desmotivado e como superou isso.

Reflita sobre os fatores que podem desmotivar uma pessoa a seguir seus sonhos.

Como o ambiente ao seu redor influencia sua motivação ou pode te desmotivar?

Descreva um dia em que nada conseguiu te desmotivar, apesar dos problemas.

O que um professor nunca deve fazer para não desmotivar seus alunos?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is used equally in both countries. However, the placement of the reflexive pronoun often differs (Brazil: 'se desmotivar'; Portugal: 'desmotivar-se'). The core meaning and frequency remain the same across the Lusophone world.

Usually, 'desmotivar' is applied to sentient beings (humans or animals) because it involves psychological motives. However, you can use it metaphorically for groups or entities like 'a economia' or 'o mercado'.

The noun is 'desmotivação'. For example: 'A desmotivação dos jovens é preocupante'. It is a feminine noun.

You use 'desmotivador'. For example: 'Um ambiente desmotivador'. If you want to say 'demotivated' (the state), use 'desmotivado'.

Both are used, but 'com' is more common when referring to a situation or object (e.g., 'desmotivado com o trabalho'). 'De' is often used when followed by an infinitive (e.g., 'desmotivado de estudar').

Yes, 'foi desmotivado' is common in formal writing. 'O aluno foi desmotivado pelas críticas do professor'.

Desanimar relates to 'ânimo' (energy/soul). Desmotivar relates to 'motivo' (reason). You can be 'desanimado' (sad/tired) without being 'desmotivado' (still having a reason to act).

Yes, it is a perfectly regular -ar verb. It follows the same conjugation pattern as 'falar' or 'amar' in all tenses.

While the word itself isn't slang, it is used in slangy expressions like 'desmotivar a galera' (to demotivate the gang/group).

Eu desmotivo, tu desmotivas, ele/ela desmotiva, nós desmotivamos, vós desmotivais, eles/elas desmotivam.