despondency

noun

de·​spon·​den·​cy di-ˈspän-dən-sē 

: the state of being despondent or extremely low in spirits : dejection, hopelessness

sank into despondency while he was unemployed

Synonyms of despondency

• sadness
• depression
• melancholy
• sorrowfulness
• sorrow
• gloom

Examples of despondency in a Sentence

in despondency because he couldn't seem to settle into a lasting relationship

in their despondency they seemingly forgot that losing teams can become winning teams in a single season

Recent Examples on the Web

But while some like Nazanin feel a despondency heading into the new year, for others, hope springs eternal. — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026

Some view his dry, extremely no-frills delivery as a meme, but there’s a genuine despondency to his cadence and beat choices that hits home when his flows feel structured. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026

Its title perfectly captures her ability to chronicle in song frustration and hope, despondency and transcendence, with soulful grace and grit. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026

At each meeting, trustees face outrage over the 1,000 pink slips issued to district staff and parent despondency over the closure of preschool programs and other services. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see despond entry 1

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

despondency

noun

de·​spond·​en·​cy

di-ˈspän-dən-sē

: the state of being despondent : dejection, discouragement