- present participle of despair.
despairing
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.
“Sam tells stories about quietly despairing people seeking to survive in our bleak world,” Flynn responded via email.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
Despite facing notable challenges and coming of age in a culture infected by “big woe,” or an onslaught of despairing information, Moore believes there is still reason for young people to be optimistic.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 8, 2026
Tyler Smith made a despairing dive to try to block his shot but the assistant referee raised his flag immediately to signal the goal.
From BBC ● Apr. 25, 2026
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
With a last despairing effort Frodo raised himself on his hands, and struggled on for maybe twenty yards.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
