Finesentence logo

Despondency: meaning, definitions and examples

😞
Add to dictionary

despondency

 

[ dɪˈspɒndənsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feeling of

Despondency is a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage.

Synonyms

dejection, despair, hopelessness, melancholy

Examples of usage

  • Her despondency was evident in her lack of energy and enthusiasm.
  • The news of the failed project brought a wave of despondency to the team.
  • I could see the despondency in his eyes as he spoke about his struggles.
Context #2 | Noun

state of

Despondency can also refer to a feeling of being in a state of despair or hopelessness.

Synonyms

dejection, despair, gloom, sadness

Examples of usage

  • The country was in a state of despondency after the economic crisis.
  • She couldn't shake off the despondency that had settled in her heart.
  • The despondency in the air was palpable, weighing down on everyone.

Translations

Translations of the word "despondency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desânimo

🇮🇳 निराशा

🇩🇪 Verzagtheit

🇮🇩 keputusasaan

🇺🇦 зневіра

🇵🇱 przygnębienie

🇯🇵 落胆

🇫🇷 découragement

🇪🇸 desaliento

🇹🇷 umutsuzluk

🇰🇷 낙담

🇸🇦 إحباط

🇨🇿 sklíčenost

🇸🇰 skľúčenosť

🇨🇳 沮丧

🇸🇮 potrtost

🇮🇸 örvænting

🇰🇿 түңілу

🇬🇪 დამწუხრება

🇦🇿 ümidsizlik

🇲🇽 desaliento

Etymology

The word 'despondency' originated from the Latin word 'despondere', which means 'to give up'. Over time, it evolved to represent a state of low spirits or hopelessness. The concept of despondency has been explored in various literary works, depicting the human experience of loss and despair. In modern usage, despondency is often associated with feelings of dejection and melancholy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,580, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.