Definitions

despairing

[dih-spair-ing] / dɪˈspɛər ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

upset, despondent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

grief-stricken melancholic melancholy pessimistic suicidal

STRONG

blue dejected depressed oppressed sunk

WEAK

anxious at end of one's rope brokenhearted can't win cynical desperate disconsolate downcast forlorn frantic hopeless in pain in the dumps in the pits in the soup inconsolable miserable no-win not a prayer sad shot down strabilious weighed down wretched

Antonyms

STRONG

cheerful encouraged happy joyous

WEAK

confident expectant hopeful

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.

As wars multiply, Pope Leo’s aides aren’t despairing about the possibilities of diplomacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

The angry, despairing look on team owner Lawrence Stroll's face in Bahrain said it all.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

But Nina soon found herself despairing, once she realized she could not leave her hiding place.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Even those with abundant resources often end up in a similarly despairing cycle.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

The gray, despairing weariness of protracted maneuvers and combat did not touch him.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck