Despairing: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used to describe someone who feels a complete loss of hope, usually in situations of extreme distress or failure.

• Facing the destruction of his home, he felt a despairing sense of loss
• Her despairing cries echoed through the empty halls

This word is used when someone feels there is no possibility of a positive outcome, often in a situation where they see no solution.

• The situation seemed hopeless, with no rescue in sight
• He felt hopeless about finding a job in his field

This word describes a feeling of having lost confidence or enthusiasm, often due to repeated failure or difficulty.

• Despite trying many times, she felt discouraged by her lack of progress
• Seeing no improvement in his condition, he became discouraged

This word conveys a sense of being emotionally downcast or low-spirited, often after some disappointing event or failure.

• After failing the exam, he walked home feeling dejected
• She gave him a dejected look when she heard the bad news

Used when someone feels that there is no hope and they are deeply sad about a situation.

• After hearing the bad news, she sat alone, despairing over her future

Refers to a gradual process of becoming pessimistic about one’s chances of success or improvement.

• After several failed attempts, she began to lose hope of ever passing the exam

Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to indicate stopping an effort or resigning from a task or goal.

• He decided to give up trying to fix the old car, as it was too damaged

Has a more formal tone, often used in contexts involving conflicts, competitions, or challenges where one party admits defeat.

• The soldiers had no choice but to surrender after they were surrounded by the enemy