consumed by despair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consumed by despair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being overwhelmed or deeply affected by feelings of hopelessness or sadness. Example: "After the loss of her loved one, she felt completely consumed by despair, unable to find joy in anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

She spends months consumed by despair; she would do anything to have him back.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So he hadn't ceased contact because he had been consumed by despair or had driven his car off one of those devastatingly beautiful Thai mountainsides.

The New York Times

Alter shrewdly reads this achievement as a matter of style as much as substance, and spends considerable time examining the subtle ways in which F.D.R. embodied hope to a people consumed by despair.

The New York Times - Books

Another character glued to her past: Miss Havisham is consumed by despair at being jilted as a young woman, and harbours a lifelong fixation with a traumatic wedding day that never was.

The Guardian - Books

Hurricanes, floods, massive forest fires — we remain glued to our TVs, standing in prayer over our iPhones, unable to look away, consumed by despair.

Forbes

Rather than having a sense of calm and tranquility over a lengthy period of peace and prosperity over the past several decades, many Europeans now feel consumed by despair, uncertainty, and have little faith in the future.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She is consumed – by passion, despair, illness.

The Guardian

For nearly two years, many Arab and Muslim immigrants have been consumed by anger and despair as they have watched the arrests, detentions and deportations that have accompanied the hunt for terrorists since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The New York Times

During the worst times, when consumed by panic and despair, it can be hard to simply make it through each hour, and even harder to try to concentrate on anything or distract yourself.

The Guardian

Mr. Cain has used religion and peer counseling — backed by sharp discipline for defiant behavior — to promote what he calls a "moral rehabilitation" of individuals and a sense of community among men who might easily be consumed by rage or despair.

The New York Times

Some people experiencing depressive symptoms might have trouble going about their daily tasks; others show no outward symptoms but are consumed by feelings of despair or worthlessness, Kissen added. .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consumed by despair" to vividly depict a state of being completely overwhelmed and incapacitated by feelings of hopelessness, especially when emphasizing the intensity of the emotional experience.

Common error

Avoid using "consumed by despair" for mild sadness or temporary disappointment. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving deep, prolonged hopelessness and significant emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consumed by despair" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (e.g., "was," "became"). It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of being overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Ludwig examples show its use in describing characters' emotional states in literature and real-life situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consumed by despair" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of being completely overwhelmed by hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and identifies it primarily in News & Media contexts. While not extremely common, the phrase is effective in conveying the intensity of emotional distress. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "engulfed in despair" or "overwhelmed by despair" to fine-tune the specific nuance. Avoid using it for mild sadness, reserving it for situations of profound and prolonged hopelessness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engulfed in despair

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being completely surrounded and overwhelmed by despair.

overwhelmed by despair

This suggests a state of being overpowered or inundated with feelings of despair.

lost in despair

This implies a sense of being disoriented and unable to escape feelings of despair.

sunk in despair

This suggests a state of being deeply immersed and weighed down by despair.

gripped by despair

This indicates a strong and forceful hold that despair has on someone.

overcome with despair

This suggests being completely defeated or incapacitated by despair.

filled with despair

This implies that despair is the dominant emotion occupying one's mind and heart.

suffering from despair

This highlights the experience of enduring the pain and hardship associated with despair.

in the depths of despair

This emphasizes the extreme intensity and profoundness of the despair.

despairing

A simpler, adjectival form expressing the state of feeling despair.

FAQs

How can I use "consumed by despair" in a sentence?

You can use "consumed by despair" to describe someone who is completely overwhelmed by hopelessness. For example: "After losing everything, he was "consumed by despair"."

What are some alternatives to "consumed by despair"?

Alternatives include "engulfed in despair", "overwhelmed by despair", or "lost in despair", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "consumed by despair" in formal writing?

Yes, "consumed by despair" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a state of intense hopelessness. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

What's the difference between "consumed by despair" and "feeling sad"?

"Consumed by despair" describes a state of being completely overwhelmed by hopelessness, whereas "feeling sad" is a more general term for experiencing unhappiness. The former is far more intense and pervasive than the latter.