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

• blue devils
• blues
• dejection
• depression
• desolation
• despond
• despondence
• disconsolateness
• dispiritedness
• doldrums
• dolefulness
• downheartedness
• dreariness
• dumps
• forlornness
• gloom
• gloominess
• glumness
• heartsickness
• joylessness
• melancholy
• miserableness
• mopes
• mournfulness
• oppression
• sadness
• sorrowfulness
• unhappiness

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

McIlroy, somehow attaining newfound levels of despondency, turned and walked toward the door. —Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

Embarrassing Brighton for a third time this season by finishing above them would be a fantastic way to go from despondency after a rough start to delirium in May. —Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

Patty’s, where Matt fights his old mentor, alternating between rage and despondency. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025

Injuries and performances are two football-relevant reasons for despondency, while United’s poor financial results point to more staff cuts. —Andy Mitten, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

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