cry in despair

USAGE SUMMARY

'cry in despair' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which a person is feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. For example, "When he found out that he had failed, he cried in despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Sometimes it seems that nothing changes faster than the moods and minds of children: They jump for joy one minute, cry in despair the next.

The New York Times

They also mean it when they cry in despair because they are too tired to brush their teeth.

Huffington Post

I'd lie awake and cry in despair except that exhaustion and poor mental aptitude also made the list.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I cried in despair," she told Châtelet.

The New Yorker

Listen!" he cried in despair.

The New Yorker

"Rat poop!" Linda's son cries in despair.

The New Yorker

"I am a human being!" she cries in despair at one point.

The New York Times

Asked if she minds its history, she cries in despair: "Where else should I live with my three children?

The Guardian

In August, Mr. Ahn told the newsweekly Chosun that many of the students who seek his advice break down, crying in despair.

The New York Times

Over tea, this woman, who cried in despair the day Mr. Hussein was captured, talked about how the squatters had stolen the surrounding apartments.

The New York Times

Observation showed that the girl was not vomiting, but crying in despair.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry in despair" to depict a character's intense emotional state when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or profound loss. This phrase is most effective when conveying a sense of utter hopelessness and desperation.

Common error

Avoid using "cry in despair" for mild disappointment or temporary setbacks. This phrase conveys a profound and overwhelming sense of hopelessness, so reserve it for situations where the character's situation truly warrants such intense emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry in despair" functions as a verbal phrase that depicts a strong emotional reaction to a distressing situation. It emphasizes the depth of sadness and the absence of hope. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry in despair" is a grammatically correct and emotionally charged expression used to depict profound sorrow and hopelessness. While relatively rare, its usage is appropriate for conveying intense emotional distress in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal writing. According to Ludwig AI, it is a suitable expression for use in written English. Related phrases, such as "weep in anguish" or "lament in sorrow", offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments, each with slightly different nuances. When using "cry in despair", it's important to reserve it for situations that truly warrant such a strong emotional expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weep in anguish

Focuses more on intense suffering and emotional pain.

wail in grief

Highlights a loud expression of sorrow and distress.

lament in sorrow

Emphasizes mourning and deep sadness.

break down in tears

Focuses on the sudden onset of crying due to overwhelming emotion.

sob uncontrollably

Describes the physical act of crying without restraint.

be consumed by sorrow

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the sadness.

succumb to grief

Emphasizes being overcome by intense sadness and loss.

lose hope entirely

Focuses on the absence of hope rather than the act of crying.

despair inwardly

Shifts the focus to internal feelings of hopelessness without outward expression.

feel utterly hopeless

Emphasizes the feeling of complete lack of hope or optimism.

FAQs

What does "cry in despair" mean?

To "cry in despair" signifies expressing deep sorrow and hopelessness, often due to an overwhelming sense of loss or facing insurmountable challenges. It indicates a state of extreme emotional distress.

How can I use "cry in despair" in a sentence?

You can use "cry in despair" to describe someone experiencing intense grief or hopelessness. For example: "Upon hearing the devastating news, she "cried in despair"."

What are some synonyms for "cry in despair"?

Alternatives to "cry in despair" include "weep in anguish", "lament in sorrow", or "wail in grief". These phrases convey similar emotions but with slightly different nuances.

Is it more common to "cry in despair" or "cry out in despair"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "cry out in despair" suggests a more vocal and public expression of grief, whereas "cry in despair" can imply a more internal or quiet suffering.