despairing

de·spair·ing

adj

Definition of DESPAIRING

: given to, arising from, or marked by despair : devoid of hope

— de·spair·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of DESPAIRING

1. <despairing predictions regarding the effects of global overpopulation>
2. <despairing applicants need to be reminded that most students are eventually accepted somewhere>

First Known Use of DESPAIRING

1589

Related to DESPAIRING

Synonyms: bearish, defeatist, pessimistic, downbeat, hopeless

Antonyms: hopeful, optimistic, Panglossian, Pollyanna, Pollyannaish (also Polyannish), rose-colored, rosy, upbeat

Related Words: cynical, fatalistic, nihilist, nihilistic; desperate, discouraging, disheartening, inauspicious, unlikely, unpromising; bleak, cheerless, comfortless, depressing, desolate, dismal, dreary, funereal, gloomy, morose, saturnine, sepulchral, somber (or sombre), sullen; grim; contrary, hostile, negative

Near Antonyms: auspicious, bright, encouraging, fair, golden, heartening, likely, promising, propitious; cheering, comforting, reassuring; favorable, good, positive; idealist, romantic, utopian, visionary; cheerful, cheery, chipper, sunny

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at despondent