What word means 'to cause someone to lose confidence or hope'?

• A. Encouraging
• B. Demoralizing
• C. Discouraging
• D. Inspiring

Answer: (B)

Losing confidence or hope is a hit to someone’s morale, and demoralizing is the word that most precisely captures that effect. When you demoralize someone, you undermine their spirit and make them feel incapable or hopeless about the situation. That intensity goes beyond simply discouraging; it implies a deeper, more complete loss of confidence. The other options either lift morale (encouraging or inspiring) or describe the effect in a milder way (discouraging), rather than the strong impact of removing someone’s confidence or hope. For example, constant criticism and setbacks can be demoralizing, leaving a person doubting their abilities.