despondent

[dih-spon-duhnt] / dɪˈspɒn dənt /

ADJECTIVE

depressed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dejected discouraged disheartened forlorn glum morose sad

WEAK

all torn up blue bummed out cast down despairing disconsolate dispirited doleful down downcast downhearted gloomy griefstricken grieving hopeless in a blue funk in despair in the pits low low-spirited melancholy miserable mourning shot down sorrowful woebegone wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful encouraged happy joyful

WEAK

elated hopeful spirited up

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.

So when a despondent Tatum was wheeled into his hospital the morning after his injury—accompanied by his mother and Celtics president Brad Stevens—the surgeon stressed the importance of acting as soon as possible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Aviles told the San Antonio Express-News, which published the text messages first, that the relationship and the professional ostracization his wife faced after it was discovered led her to become despondent before her death.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026

Not long ago, investors were despondent as stocks related to artificial intelligence pulled back on bubble fears and worries about potential overcapacity.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

Increasingly despondent, he organised a park walk on social media.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

Mayinga remained conscious and despondent until the end.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Vocabulary lists containing despondent

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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Emotions on Display

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 8

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