despondency

[ dih-spon-duhn-see ]

noun

1. state of being despondent; depression of spirits from loss of courage or hope; dejection.

   Synonyms: gloom, melancholy

   Antonyms: joy

Other Words From

• pre·de·spond·en·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of despondency¹

First recorded in 1645–55; despond + -ency

Synonym Study

See despair.

Example Sentences

Democrats were riding high back then, enthusiastic about their new nominee after weeks of despondency and infighting that led to Biden’s decision to abandon his re-election bid.

From BBC

Juniper Hills resident Diane Swick, 60, transitioned from joy to despondency quickly in early August.

From Los Angeles Times

In the east that all combines with a despondency and frustration that’s been brewing for years, even decades – about the results of German reunification.

From BBC

For the Eeyores in our midst—and I confess to being a semiprofessional Eeyore, prohibited from competing in the Eeyore Olympics and such—this speedy torquing from despondency to frenetic activism is hard to understand or even trust.

From Slate

On the national front, there is an air of despondency.

From Los Angeles Times