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.

Tyler Smith made a despairing dive to try to block his shot but the assistant referee raised his flag immediately to signal the goal.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Dunk, though wounded and despairing of Baelor’s death, wins his trial and becomes a legend that characters in “A Song of Ice and Fire” recall as a true knight.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026

Guardiola struck a despairing tone as he discussed the reasons for City's slump.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

I would not, under any circumstances, seem despairing or even disappointed to my captors.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

despairing

Example Sentences

Related Words