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Showing results for despairing.
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

This was Spurs in microcosm with mistake piled upon mistake – the self-destruct button pressed with despairing regularity.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Despite the grim subject matter, the show also offers a glimpse of hope that such awareness arrives in time for someone to show that those despairing are not alone.–

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

So I read the Psalms, especially the despairing ones, until their words become fixed in my mind, but no peace settles there.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein