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in despair

ADJECTIVE

despondent

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 the pits low low-spirited melancholy miserable mourning shot down sorrowful woebegone wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful encouraged happy joyful

WEAK

elated hopeful spirited up

ADJECTIVE

hopeless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desperate forlorn helpless impossible pointless sad tragic useless

WEAK

bad beyond recall cynical dejected demoralized despairing despondent disconsolate discouraging downhearted fatal gone goner ill-fated impracticable incurable irredeemable irreparable irreversible irrevocable lost menacing no-win past hope shot down sinister sunk threatening unachievable unavailing unfortunate unmitigable up the creek vain woebegone worsening

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful good happy hopeful joyful

WEAK

auspicious bright encouraging expectant optimistic promising propitious rosy

ADJECTIVE

irremediable

Synonyms

WEAK

bad beyond recall cureless cynical dejected demoralized despairing desperate despondent disconsolate discouraging downhearted fatal forlorn gone goner helpless ill-fated impossible impracticable incurable irredeemable irreparable irreversible irrevocable lost menacing no-win past hope pointless sad shot down sinister sunk threatening tragic unachievable unavailing unfortunate unmitigable up the creek useless vain woebegone worsening

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.

Agonisingly, he fell at the end of his final run, when he believed the gold medal was within his grasp, burying his head in his hands in despair.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

“It means a tremendous amount, because so many people were feeling lost and in despair and not knowing what to do,” she continued.

From Slate • Jan. 29, 2026

Many sold in despair, locking in permanent losses.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 2, 2025

Mely Saberon looked on in despair at the pile of debris that had once been her home in Talisay City, which suffered some of the worst destruction.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

“O dear me!” said I, as if I found myself compelled to give up Biddy in despair.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

in despair

Example Sentences

Related Words