WordGarden.iodespondent
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪspˈɒndənt/
US
- /dɪˈspɑndənt/
Meanings
Adjective
feeling deeply discouraged and without much hope
Beyond the definition
Imagine a captain on a ship, lost at sea during a terrible storm, with torn sails and a broken compass—that person might be described as despondent. It's more than just sadness; it's a deep feeling of hopelessness and a loss of courage. Someone who is despondent feels as if they've given up on finding joy or seeing any improvement in their situation.
You wouldn't call someone "despondent" because they stubbed a toe, but you might describe a character in a novel as despondent after losing everything they loved. It suggests a heavy weight of sadness that makes it hard to even try to feel better. Think of Eeyore from Winnie-the-Pooh—he's often a perfect example of a despondent character!
To be despondent means to be in a state of low spirits caused by the loss of hope or courage. It is a profound sadness that goes beyond simple disappointment; it suggests a feeling of being utterly defeated and unable to see a positive future.
The word carries real weight, hinting at a deeper emotional struggle than just feeling "down." While someone might be sad about failing an exam, they would likely become despondent if they felt their entire academic career was ruined as a result. It is often used to describe someone who has experienced significant hardship or loss and is struggling to cope with the aftermath.
Historically, "despondent" traces back to the Latin despondere, which gave English the sense of "to lose heart" or "to give up hope." This origin helps explain why it is not just about feeling unhappy, but about losing the will to continue striving or hoping for something better.
You will often find "despondent" used in literature and poetry to portray characters facing difficult circumstances. For example: "The prisoner, despondent after years of unjust imprisonment, had lost all hope of freedom." Or, "A wave of despondency washed over her as she read the final rejection letter."
So, if someone is truly despondent, they aren't just sad—they are weighed down by a deep sense of hopelessness and have lost faith in a brighter tomorrow. It is a state of emotional exhaustion where even the smallest efforts feel insurmountable.
Examples
- 1
Sports defeat
After losing the final match, the team sat in the locker room looking despondent.
- 2
Job search
She grew despondent after months of sending out job applications and getting no replies.
- 3
Small business
Many small business owners are feeling despondent about rising costs and falling sales.
- 4
Phone call
He sounded despondent on the phone, as if he had already given up.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- feel despondent
- become despondent
- despondent about the future
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- despondentadjective