Abyss of despair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Abyss of despair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep, overwhelming feeling of hopelessness or sadness. Example: "After losing his job and facing personal struggles, he felt as if he was trapped in an abyss of despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

You take a human being who has been in the abyss of despair and — boom!

The New York Times

The mind, tottering at the abyss of despair or death, shudders back toward any simplicity, any coherency it can grasp, and the man calls out to God".

The New Yorker

There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.

Independent

You feel Philippe's mind para-gliding, lost, into the abyss of  despair at the same time as you recognise that he exploits his affliction as a way of imprisoning others.

Independent

Daniel Craig has said he's excited by the challenge and that the new film will be "classic 007" except with the main character "teetering on the brink of an abyss of despair".

The Guardian - Opinion

He later elaborated, "I felt that I couldn't go on, that the pain of what had happened would leave within me an abyss of despair, a gaping emptiness, if I didn't try, in this way, to overcome the monstrosity both intellectually and emotionally; and so I had no other option but to begin my research".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Anyone watching it might have been forgiven for confusing its beginning with a television documentary last week about the strike-bound abyss of British despair in the 1970s that produced the three-day work week and the winter of discontent.

The New York Times

Whether it be in the form of a tweet berating a cable news host or the supreme leader of North Korea, or his transparently bigoted attempts to limit all forms of immigration and bar trans people from serving in the military, everything Trump shouted became the world's biggest news story, for a moment, before it faded into the noisy abyss of complete despair and online outrage.

Vice

By all means shoot for the moon with your planning but chances are you'll miss and crash into an abyss of confusion and despair every day.

The Guardian

But he is also a man of humble affections, attempting with increasing desperation to keep himself and his beloved mother-in-law (who is also his aunt) from falling into an abyss of poverty and despair.

The New York Times

Their deceptions and recognitions, their suspicions and their silences, open a virtual abyss of fear and despair which they skirt thanks only to their obliviousness and to their desperate ambition — and which May captures in amazingly rapid scenes of action and dialogue that spin and lurch mercurially on a line, a glance, a hesitation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abyss of despair" to dramatically emphasize a state of extreme hopelessness or sadness. It's most effective when describing intense emotional experiences or critical situations.

Common error

Avoid using "abyss of despair" for minor setbacks or disappointments. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for truly profound experiences to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abyss of despair" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a verb or a complement. It describes a state of extreme hopelessness, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples which showcase its use in describing intense emotional experiences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abyss of despair" is a noun phrase used to describe a profound state of hopelessness and sadness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage in formal to neutral contexts such as news, media, and academic writing. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively conveys intense emotional suffering. Related phrases include "pit of hopelessness" and "depths of despondency". When using "abyss of despair", reserve it for situations that truly warrant such a strong expression to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pit of hopelessness

Emphasizes the lack of positive expectation or possibility.

Depths of despondency

Highlights a deep state of low spirits and discouragement.

Well of sorrow

Suggests a source or reservoir of sadness.

Chasm of anguish

Focuses on the extreme pain and suffering involved.

Sea of misery

Implies a vast, overwhelming experience of unhappiness.

Vortex of suffering

Conveys a sense of being drawn into inescapable pain.

Dark night of the soul

Refers to a period of spiritual crisis and desolation.

Valley of tears

Represents a life filled with sorrow and sadness.

Slough of despond

A state of deep dejection and discouragement (literary allusion).

Realm of melancholy

Suggests a world dominated by sadness and pensive reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "abyss of despair" in a sentence?

You can use "abyss of despair" to describe a state of overwhelming hopelessness. For example: "After losing everything, he plunged into an "abyss of despair"."

What are some alternatives to "abyss of despair"?

Alternatives include "pit of hopelessness", "depths of despondency", or "sea of misery". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "abyss of despair" in formal writing?

Yes, "abyss of despair" is appropriate for formal writing when describing significant emotional or psychological distress. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What is the difference between "abyss of despair" and "moment of sadness"?

"Abyss of despair" describes a prolonged and profound state of hopelessness, while "moment of sadness" refers to a temporary feeling of unhappiness. The former is much more intense and enduring.