Despondency Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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despondency

[dɪˈspɒndənsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of

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

Synonyms

dejection, despair, hopelessness, melancholy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
despondency	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
dejection	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
despair	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
hopelessness	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
melancholy	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

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
despondency	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	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	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	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	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

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Despondency can be linked to clinical depression, which affects millions of people worldwide.
People experiencing despondency may feel trapped, as if they can't find a way out of their sadness.
Understanding despondency is essential in psychology to help develop effective treatment methods for those struggling.

Literature

In literature, despondency is often depicted in characters facing overwhelming challenges, emphasizing their emotional struggles.
Great works like Shakespeare's plays often describe characters in states of despair, showcasing the human experience of despondency.
Many poets use imagery of darkness and shadows to symbolize despondency, as seen in works by authors like John Keats and Edgar Allan Poe.

Pop Culture

Despondency appears in many films and songs, highlighting themes of heartbreak and loneliness.
Popular songs often use despondency to relate to listeners, creating a shared experience of sorrow.
Characters in various TV shows may express despondency as part of their journey, ultimately finding hope or redemption.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Kierkegaard explored despondency as a part of the human condition, calling it a state of existential despair.
Existentialists argue that recognizing despondency can lead individuals toward deeper self-awareness and growth.
The concept has sparked discussions about finding meaning in suffering and the importance of addressing one’s emotional state.

Origin of 'despondency'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'despondere,' meaning 'to give up' or 'to surrender.'
It combines 'de-' (down) and 'spondere' (to promise), hinting at the loss of hope or promise in oneself.
The term has been used in English since the 15th century, showing a long history of identifying feelings of deep sadness.

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.

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20577 dative
20578 flyer
20579 alternated
20580 despondency
20581 cleaved
20582 elf
20583 refinancing
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