despairing

adjective

de·​spair·​ing di-ˈsper-iŋ 

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

a despairing sigh

despairingly

di-ˈsper-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of despairing

• hopeless
• cynical

Choose the Right Synonym for despairing

despondent, despairing, desperate, hopeless mean having lost all or nearly all hope.

despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort.

despondent about yet another rejection

despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency.

despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration.

one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation.

the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

Examples of despairing in a Sentence

despairing predictions regarding the effects of global overpopulation

despairing applicants need to be reminded that most students are eventually accepted somewhere

Recent Examples on the Web

In the current political climate, the girl is despairing. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 23 Dec. 2025

This book should be sent to the White House, and to our earnest Attorney General, and to everyone in this country able to read—which may, however, alas, be a most despairing statement. —Literary Hub, 22 Dec. 2025

Take a break from comparing and despairing. —Jennifer Moss, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025

Some walls still carried the scars of shrapnel, and despairing alleys were submerged in rainwater. —Nabil Salih, Time, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of despair entry 2

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for despairing

• childbearing
• comparing
• declaring
• forbearing
• impairing
• preparing
• repairing
• ridesharing
• seafaring
• timesharing
• uncaring
• unerring

Kids Definition

despairing

adjective

de·​spair·​ing

di-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ, 

-ˈspe(ə)r-

: given to, coming from, or marked by despair : not having hope

despairingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb