despairing

[ dih-spair-ing ]

adjective

1. given to despair or hopelessness.

   Antonyms: hopeful

2. indicating despair:

   a despairing look.

despairing

/ dɪˈspɛərɪŋ /

adjective

1. marked by or resulting from despair; hopeless or desperate

Derived Forms

• desˈpairingly, adverb

Other Words From

• de·spairing·ly adverb
• unde·spairing adjective
• unde·spairing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of despairing¹

First recorded in 1585–95; despair + -ing ²

Synonym Study

See hopeless.

Example Sentences

I go back and forth between despairing and defiant.

From Salon

I sat on a stoop a block away from the protests, feeling despairing, and looked at photos of my friend’s kid on Instagram.

From Slate

In one of the book’s most despairing instances, Mintz finds himself as the object of Lennon’s wrath during his infamous Lost Weekend.

From Salon

These are the people who, despairing of finding their way out honestly, simply smash and bash their way through the corn willy-nilly.

From Los Angeles Times

Emma Thompson, who debuted her character of Bridget's despairing obstetrician in the third film, Bridget Jones's Baby, is also set for a return in the fourth film.

From BBC

Related Words

• grief-stricken
• melancholic
• melancholy
• pessimistic
• suicidal