Despair

/dɪˈspɛr/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The complete loss or absence of hope.

After the team lost the championship, there was a deep sense of despair among the players.

A state of hopelessness.

In her despair, she felt as though nothing would ever improve.

A feeling of despondency.

He wrote a poem expressing his despair over the current situation.

verb

To lose or be without hope.

She began to despair when she couldn't find a solution to the problem.

To give up all hope.

It's easy to despair in difficult times, but we must hold onto hope.

Middle English despeir, from Old French desesperer, from Latin desperare.

despair of

To lose hope in something.

in despair

In a state of hopelessness.

despairing

Experiencing the loss of hope.

despairingly

In a manner expressing loss of hope.

despairingness

The quality of being in a state of despair.

Feeling completely hopeless.

I'm in total despair after that breakup.

A major downer.

His constant complaining is such a despair.