despair

[dih-spair] / dɪˈspɛər /

NOUN

depression, hopelessness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anguish desperation despondency discouragement gloom melancholy misery pain sorrow

STRONG

dejection disheartenment forlornness ordeal trial tribulation wretchedness

WEAK

dashed hopes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheer comfort contentment encouragement happiness joy pleasure

STRONG

peace

WEAK

cheerfulness confidence faith hopefulness joyfulness trust

VERB

give up hope

Synonyms

STRONG

abandon despond destroy drop flatten relinquish renounce resign surrender yield

WEAK

be hopeless give way have heavy heart let air out lose faith lose heart take down

Antonyms

STRONG

keep pursue

WEAK

anticipate expect have faith hope wish for

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.

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

From Barron's

For her part, SZA asked the audience to not fall into despair.

From Los Angeles Times

"I just don't want everyone to fall into despair, because when you lose... morale, change becomes impossible."

From Barron's

A wave of despair and rage rolled over him.

From Literature

But if Hitler was hoping to break our spirit, to sow panic and despair, he must be sadly disappointed.

From Literature