Definitions

despondent

[dih-spon-duhnt] / dɪˈspɒn dənt /

ADJECTIVE

depressed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dejected discouraged disheartened forlorn glum morose sad

WEAK

all torn up blue bummed out cast down despairing disconsolate dispirited doleful down downcast downhearted gloomy griefstricken grieving hopeless in a blue funk in despair in the pits low low-spirited melancholy miserable mourning shot down sorrowful woebegone wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful encouraged happy joyful

WEAK

elated hopeful spirited up

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.

Even the act of nourishment now feels despondent.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

Amid global crises, economic instability, and the threat of climate change, many young people are feeling increasingly despondent.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

Guilty and despondent, Donatello retreats to his empty family estate in Tuscany, where Kenyon tries to counsel him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

McGrath then trudged off to the other side of the course, despondent, lying in the snow in angry reflection.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

The handcuffed, injured inmates looked not despondent but electrified.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Vocabulary lists containing despondent

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Emotions on Display

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 8

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