despondency

[dih-spon-duhn-see] / dɪˈspɒn dən si /

NOUN

dejection

Synonyms

STRONG

depression despair gloom grief sadness

Antonyms

STRONG

cheer cheerfulness encouragement happiness hopefulness joy

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.

Arsenal's joy in Italy contrasted with despondency in Norway for Premier League heavyweights Man City.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

"To get constant rejections just left me in an even deeper pit of despair and despondency."

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2025

Juniper Hills resident Diane Swick, 60, transitioned from joy to despondency quickly in early August.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 5, 2024

But is that enough to cause this overwhelming sense of despondency across the culture at large?

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2024

Lyra heard these tales at first with glee and later with despondency.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman