1
: the feeling of no longer having any hope
His despair nearly drove him mad.
She let out a cry of despair. [=desperation]
I was overcome by despair at being unable to find them.
She finally gave up in despair.
The people were driven to despair by the horrors of war.
This latest setback has brought/carried/driven her to the depths of despair.
2
: someone or something that causes extreme sadness or worry
—+ of
He was the despair of his parents.
despairs; despaired; despairing
: to no longer have any hope or belief that a situation will improve or change
Things look bad now, but don't despair.
—often + ofWe had begun to despair of ever finding a house we could afford.
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/despair. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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