Despair: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe a profound loss of hope that can pertain to both emotional and situational contexts. It conveys deep sadness and the sense that there is no way out.

• She was in total despair after hearing the bad news
• He couldn't hide his despair when he lost his job

Expresses a feeling that there is no possibility of improvement or success. It is a sustained or prolonged state of having no hope and often entails giving up.

• He was overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness after failing the exam again
• The constant bad news left her feeling a profound hopelessness

Often describes a state of loneliness, emptiness, or destruction. It can refer to both physical places that are barren and feelings of great loneliness or grief.

• The desolation of the abandoned town was haunting
• She felt a deep sense of desolation after her friend moved away

Used to describe a state where one is willing to take risky or drastic actions due to a severe lack of options or hope. It implies urgency and a frantic need to resolve a dire situation.

• In his desperation, he agreed to take a dangerous job
• Her voice was filled with desperation as she asked for help

Use when someone feels complete loss or absence of hope, often after repeated failures or in tragic situations.

• After losing his job and his home, he was in complete despair.
• She sank into despair after the devastating news.

Suitable for indicating a profound belief that nothing good will happen, often after many disappointments. It's less about immediate action and more about a sustained state of mind.

• She felt a deep sense of hopelessness after the project failed yet again.
• The constant rejections led him to hopelessness.

Best for describing a state of extreme loneliness or emptiness, often used to describe both physical landscapes and emotional states.

• The abandoned village was a scene of utter desolation.
• Her heart was filled with desolation after her children left for college.

Use when describing a state of panic or frantic action due to a lack of alternatives or severe anxiety. It may involve taking extreme measures.

• In a moment of desperation, he called his estranged father for help.
• The team’s desperation was evident as the clock ran down.

Despair is often used to describe a deep and overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and sadness, typically in situations where one feels there is no way out. It is more intense and emotional.

• She fell into despair when she lost her job.
• In his moment of despair, he couldn't see a future for himself.

Lose hope is used when someone stops believing that a positive outcome is possible. It's generally more about a specific situation or goal and less intense than despair.

• After years of waiting, she began to lose hope of ever finding her sister.
• He lost hope of getting the promotion.

Surrender can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Literally, it involves giving up control or power, often in a conflict or battle. Metaphorically, it can mean accepting a situation that can't be changed. It sometimes carries a sense of defeat.

• The troops had no choice but to surrender.
• He finally surrendered to his feelings and confessed his love.

Give up is often used in everyday situations where someone decides to stop trying or abandon an effort or task. It is less intense and more common in casual conversation.

• He decided to give up learning the piano after a few months.
• Don't give up on your dreams.