Despondency: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when someone is feeling very low and has lost confidence or hope. It conveys a deep sense of discouragement and lack of resolve.

• After failing the exam for the third time, she fell into despondency
• / His prolonged unemployment led to a state of despondency

Use this when referring to a state of being downcast or sad, typically after a disappointment or failure. It often suggests a temporary condition.

• He felt dejection after his team lost the championship
• / Her face showed dejection as she read the rejection letter

This term is used for extreme sadness or hopelessness, often implying that someone sees no way out of a difficult situation. It’s a stronger feeling than despondency or dejection.

• She was in despair after her husband’s sudden death
• / He looked at the failing crops with a sense of despair

This describes a complete lack of hope and a belief that things cannot improve. It’s a strong term and often suggests a chronic state.

• The refugees expressed their hopelessness about returning to their homes
• / His face showed hopelessness after years of failed treatments

Use this for a deep, reflective sadness that is often tinged with a sense of beauty or wistfulness. It often implies a thoughtful or poetic mood rather than outright despair.

• He felt a sense of melancholy as he looked at the old photographs
• / The autumn landscape filled her with a quiet melancholy

Despondency fits situations where someone feels a loss of hope or confidence, often due to ongoing struggles or failures. It suggests a deep and prolonged state of disappointment.

• After several job rejections, she fell into despondency, doubting her skills and future

Despair is appropriate in extreme situations where there seems to be no hope left. It implies a complete loss of faith and a sense of hopelessness.

• In the face of ongoing natural disasters, the villagers felt a deep sense of despair about their future

Dejection is used when someone feels low spirits, often from a specific setback or disappointment. It’s less intense than despair but deeper than simple sadness.

• His dejection was evident after his team lost the championship match

Gloom is used for a general feeling of darkness or depression in a situation or atmosphere. It can relate to a mood, situation, or weather and doesn’t necessarily imply hopelessness.

• The constant rain cast a gloom over the entire town

Sadness is a general term for feeling unhappy or sorrowful. It can range from mild to deep feelings but generally doesn't carry the heavier weight of hopelessness like despair.

• She felt a wave of sadness after saying goodbye to her best friend at the airport