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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.

As wars multiply, Pope Leo’s aides aren’t despairing about the possibilities of diplomacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

Some of Tarr’s most memorable scenes feature landscapes, often bleak and despairing settings of decaying Hungarian towns, punctuated with close-ups of characters’ faces.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

This, in turn, can drive despairing male viewers ever further into the manosphere.

From Salon • Nov. 21, 2025

Not long after his arrival, Louie was standing at the base, sweating and despairing over the landscape, when a squarish second lieutenant walked up and introduced himself.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand