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Unpacking gloom: "depressing" vs. "demoralizing"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 13/10/2024, 06:40
English.me team member
Depressing and demoralizing. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "depressing" and "demoralizing" describe situations or experiences that negatively impact a person's emotional state. They convey a sense of discouragement and sadness and often result in a loss of motivation or hope.

What is different?

While "depressing" generally refers to causing a feeling of sadness or gloom, "demoralizing" specifically implies a loss of confidence, spirit, or morale. A situation can be depressing in a broader emotional sense, whereas demoralizing specifically targets one's motivation or resolve.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for depressing) and demoralizing

Examples of usage

Depressing
  • The rainy weather all week has been really depressing.
  • Reading the news lately can be quite depressing.
  • The movie was well-made but utterly depressing.
Demoralizing
  • The team's constant losses were demoralizing for the players.
  • Criticism from peers can be demoralizing when trying to innovate.
  • The lack of progress after so much effort was demoralizing.