What does demoralizingly mean?
Demoralizingly is an adverb meaning “in a way that causes people to lose confidence, hope, or morale.” It is especially useful when describing an experience, result, atmosphere, or account that leaves its audience feeling defeated, discouraged, or drained of spirit. The word is more emphatic than a simple description of something disappointing because it highlights the damaging effect on morale rather than merely noting that something is sad or unsuccessful. It is common in journalism, reports, and discussion of difficult circumstances, though it can also appear in everyday speech. “Demoralizing” is usually the more straightforward choice, while “demoralizingly” adds a vivid emphasis to the way an outcome or process affects people psychologically. The adverb is used in both British and American English.
adverbIn a way that causes a loss of confidence, hope, or morale. It describes an effect that leaves people discouraged or disheartened.
- In a manner that causes people to lose confidence, hope, or morale.
"The report offered a demoralizingly bleak account of the prospects for recovery."
"The repeated delays had a demoralizingly slow effect on the volunteers' confidence."
"She spoke demoralizingly of the team's chances, making an already difficult situation sound even more hopeless."
When discouragement becomes an atmosphere, “demoralizingly” is the adverb that captures it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does demoralizingly come from?
“Demoralizingly” is the adverbial form of “demoralizing,” which comes from the English verb “demoralize.” The verb was borrowed from French “démoraliser,” literally meaning “to deprive of morale,” and combines the prefix “dé-” with the Latin-derived element “moral.” The English adjective and noun “moral” and the noun “morale” belong to the same broader lexical family.
How demoralizingly is actually used
This adverb is less common than “demoralizing” and can sound emphatic, formal, or slightly literary. It is used especially for an effect on people's confidence, spirit, or willingness to continue.
Easily confused with demoralizingly
“Demoralizing” describes something that causes a loss of morale, while “demoralizingly” describes the manner or degree of that effect.