despair

despair

noun

Definition of DESPAIR

1

utter loss of hope <the endless drought drove the farmers to despair>

Synonyms desperation, despond, despondence, despondency, forlornness, hopelessness

Related Words blue devils, blues, dejection, depression, desolation, disconsolateness, dispiritedness, doldrums, dolor, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, gloom, gloominess, joylessness, melancholy, mopes, oppression, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness; self-despair, self-pity; dolefulness, mournfulness, sorrowfulness, woefulness; agony, distress, pain; misery, woe, wretchedness; cynicism, pessimism; acceptance, resignation

Phrases slough of despond

Near Antonyms cheer, cheerfulness, sunniness; optimism; gaiety (also gayety), glee, gleefulness, jollity, joviality, lightheartedness, merriment, mirth, mirthfulness; bliss, blissfulness, ecstasy, elatedness, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, exuberance, exultation, gladness, happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, jubilation, rapture, rapturousness

Antonyms hope, hopefulness

2

the state of being discouraged <the other team's temporary lead caused some momentary despair>

Synonyms demoralization, despair, despondency, disheartenment, dismay, dispiritedness

Related Words blues, dejection, depression, dumps, gloom, melancholy, mopes; defeatism, pessimism, resignation

Near Antonyms optimism, sanguinity

Antonyms encouragement