despondency

noun

de·​spon·​den·​cy di-ˈspän-dən-sē 

: the state of being despondent or extremely low in spirits : dejection, hopelessness

sank into despondency while he was unemployed

Synonyms

• blue devils
• blues
• dejection
• depression
• desolation
• despond
• despondence
• disconsolateness
• dispiritedness
• doldrums
• dolefulness
• downheartedness
• dreariness
• dumps
• forlornness
• gloom
• gloominess
• glumness
• heartsickness
• joylessness
• melancholy
• miserableness
• mopes
• mournfulness
• oppression
• sadness
• sorrowfulness
• unhappiness

Examples of despondency in a Sentence

in despondency because he couldn't seem to settle into a lasting relationship

in their despondency they seemingly forgot that losing teams can become winning teams in a single season

Recent Examples on the Web

Jesus’ despondency in the teaser marks a stark contrast to those rejoicing with palm leaves in the air. —Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024

A certain viewer could, of course, judge Benny for refusing to grow up, and dismiss his despondency as the self-centeredness of a child. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2024

That doesn’t happen after Nico Williams gives Spain the lead; there is only despondency at watching England fall behind. —Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 15 July 2024

Katie Hafner: The mood of the research team, Dora wrote, turned from elation to despondency. —Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see despond entry 1

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

despondency

noun

de·​spond·​en·​cy

di-ˈspän-dən-sē

: the state of being despondent : dejection, discouragement