despairing

adjective

de·​spair·​ing di-ˈsper-iŋ 

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

despairingly

di-ˈsper-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• 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

The arc of the subject’s life is evoked through steadily darkening, tightening mood, with certain scenes and setups replicated to variously despairing effect, from tacitly shifting points of view. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 May 2025

That same investigation may find the veteran was despairing, had just gone through a divorce or something along those lines. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025

His family’s worldwide profiteering and his own cryptocurrency ventures reflect a staggering assumption of impunity. 1933 and 2025 — a comparison America was despairing when FDR took office in March 1933. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025

Some Vril and Agartha heads are despairing about the way their precious dogwhistles have leaked beyond the realm of looksmaxxing forums and 4chan to hit critical mass. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 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