despairing

adjective

de·​spair·​ing di-ˈsper-iŋ How to pronounce despairing (audio)
: given to, arising from, or marked by despair : devoid of hope
despairingly adverb
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 Lebanese are despairing over their next meal as the economic crisis worsens Lebanon is no stranger to disaster, having survived a 15-year civil war and a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. Washington Post, 25 Feb. 2024 Court documents revealed despairing emails from employees and specific quality failures. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 11 Jan. 2024 And this season was the first time the Chiefs have had to deal with that pushback from the wider NFL fanbase, with many despairing at yet another Kansas City Super Bowl victory. Ben Morse, CNN, 17 Feb. 2024 As days tick by with no word on an exit, Yulia’s messages are increasingly despairing. Anastacia Galouchka, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024 Its theatrical run concluded last week with a terrific black-and-white version that further emphasized Yamazaki’s despairing tone. David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2024 Walker, whose success represented a beacon of hope for despairing journalists, was now a symbol of the profession’s alarming, inescapable collapse. Krista Stevens, Longreads, 31 Jan. 2024 The resulting vibe is simultaneously hopeful and despairing, setting a tone for the album. David Peisner, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2024 In 1972, despairing of ever running his own place, he was offered the winemaker’s job at Montelena, which Mr. Barrett was just starting. Eric Asimov, New York Times, 16 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'despairing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of despair entry 2

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of despairing was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near despairing

Cite this Entry

“Despairing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/despairing. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on despairing

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