1. to cause someone to lose enthusiasm, confidence, or desire to do something
Usage: third person singular present tense of 'demotivate'; commonly used in educational, workplace, and sports contexts

Examples

• Constant criticism demotivates students and makes them less likely to participate in class.
• When employees feel undervalued, it demotivates them and reduces productivity.
• Losing the first game demotivates the team before the season even begins.
• Unclear expectations demotivate workers who don't know what success looks like.
• Repeated failures can demotivate even the most determined athletes.
• Poor management demotivates talented staff members to seek jobs elsewhere.