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.

Even the act of nourishment now feels despondent.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

Amid global crises, economic instability, and the threat of climate change, many young people are feeling increasingly despondent.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

For Abdi, these volunteer networks offer some reassurance - though he admits he is despondent.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

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

Celia wiped the blood from Jorge’s despondent blue eyes with a wet cloth.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García

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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