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Definitions

despairing

[dih-spair-ing] / dɪˈspɛər ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
upset, despondent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
grief-stricken melancholic melancholy pessimistic suicidal
STRONG
blue dejected depressed oppressed sunk
WEAK
anxious at end of one's rope brokenhearted can't win cynical desperate disconsolate downcast forlorn frantic hopeless in pain in the dumps in the pits in the soup inconsolable miserable no-win not a prayer sad shot down strabilious weighed down wretched
Antonyms
STRONG
cheerful encouraged happy joyous
WEAK
confident expectant hopeful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Page expresses such deep, despairing horror that, for a few minutes at least, this minor tragedy rises to heights of harrowing feeling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The angry, despairing look on team owner Lawrence Stroll's face in Bahrain said it all.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

But Nina soon found herself despairing, once she realized she could not leave her hiding place.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Some may wish to avoid Loktev’s film because of those despairing parallels.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

The gray, despairing weariness of protracted maneuvers and combat did not touch him.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck