despairing

adjective

de·​spair·​ing di-ˈsper-iŋ 

: given to, arising from, or marked by despair : devoid of hope

despairingly

di-ˈsper-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• bearish
• defeatist
• downbeat
• hopeless
• pessimistic

Choose the Right Synonym for despairing

despondent, despairing, desperate, hopeless mean having lost all or nearly all hope.

despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort.

despondent about yet another rejection

despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency.

despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration.

one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation.

the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

Examples of despairing in a Sentence

despairing predictions regarding the effects of global overpopulation

despairing applicants need to be reminded that most students are eventually accepted somewhere

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a larger point to be gleaned from The Platform 2’s despairing ending. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024

The letters—candid, yearning, at times despairing—were potentially the couple’s most valuable asset, and Horowitz had priced them at $200,000. —Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024

Meme-makers across America are despairing right now. —Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024

Jessica is plausibly incredulous and despairing as she’s told that her ex is well within his rights to simply cut her out of her son’s life. —Catherine Bray, Variety, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of despair entry 2

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

despairing

adjective

de·​spair·​ing

di-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ,

-ˈspe(ə)r-

: given to, coming from, or marked by despair : not having hope

despairingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb