Word

encouragement

noun C1

[ɪnˈkʌɹɪd͡ʒmənt]

Meanings

noun

support or praise that makes someone feel more confident or motivated

noun

a thing or situation that makes an action more likely by giving approval or incentives

Definition

Encouragement is something that gives someone confidence, hope, or motivation to keep going.

Encouragement is spoken or written support that helps someone feel more confident or determined. It can be praise, reassurance, or advice that makes a difficult task feel more manageable. People often give encouragement when someone is nervous, tired, or unsure of their ability.

Examples

My manager’s encouragement helped me present the proposal with far more confidence than I expected.
Her steady encouragement kept the team focused when the deadline suddenly moved forward.
Their encouragement during rehearsals made the final performance feel surprisingly calm and controlled.
Your encouragement means a lot, especially when I’m trying to learn a skill that doesn’t come naturally to me.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse encouragement with encouragements; the plural is uncommon, so use encouragement as an uncountable noun in most contexts.