deepest despondency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deepest despondency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of profound sadness or hopelessness. Example: "After hearing the news, she fell into the deepest despondency, unable to find joy in anything around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the final pages of "Submarine!" Captain Beach wrote of his feelings, while skipper of the submarine Piper, when Japan surrendered: "Instead of wild exultation, a fit of the deepest despondency descended upon me.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Craig Brown says he and his Aberdeen players are deep in despondency after squandering what he thinks was a golden opportunity to reach a cup final.

BBC

A deep seated despondency, well buried under my defiant pride of my heritage, began to fade.

Huffington Post

So I disappeared into my new office-at-home and threw myself into my job, and bit by bit I sunk deeper and deeper into complete despondency.

Vice

"It is perceived as highly discriminatory and has created a deep sense of despondency in the Muslim community.

The Guardian

It is stunningly well-paced, starting with "a great bellow from upstairs – a cry of despondency so deep that it sounded less a response to a single calamity than like grief over a whole life".

The Guardian - Books

Seasoned fans' despondency goes deeper than a summer of stagnation that, with a week until the transfer window closes, has produced only the striker Loïc Rémy on loan, while Arsenal's bid for Yohan Cabaye, rejected at £10m, risks branding Newcastle as a selling club.

The Guardian - Sport

So it is with feelings of despondency and deep sorrow - they too will pass.

Huffington Post

More despondency!

The Guardian - Opinion

A despondency overtookIndian Islam.

The New York Times

The despondency soon lifts.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deepest despondency" to vividly convey a profound and overwhelming sense of sadness or hopelessness, particularly when describing a character's emotional state in literature or narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "deepest despondency" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its intensity and somewhat formal tone are better suited for more serious or dramatic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deepest despondency" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by a superlative adjective. It describes a state of profound sadness or hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deepest despondency" effectively conveys a state of profound sadness and hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for use in written English. While the phrase is relatively rare, it finds its primary use in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "profound despair" and "utter hopelessness" offer similar shades of meaning. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of emotion you wish to convey and the formality of your writing. Overusing this phrase in casual conversation might sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound despair

Replaces "despondency" with "despair" which denotes a complete loss or absence of hope.

utter hopelessness

Shifts the focus to the feeling of hopelessness, emphasizing the complete lack of positive expectation.

abysmal dejection

Uses "abysmal" to intensify the feeling of dejection, suggesting a very low and disheartened state.

extreme melancholy

Employs "melancholy" to describe a pensive sadness, tinged with thoughtfulness.

severe depression

Focuses on the clinical aspect of deep sadness, implying a more prolonged and intense state.

intense sorrow

Replaces "despondency" with "sorrow", highlighting the feeling of grief or sadness.

profound grief

Highlights a sorrowful reaction to loss.

complete discouragement

Focuses on the feeling of losing confidence or enthusiasm.

unmitigated gloom

Emphasizes the lack of any positive influence on the overall sadness.

bottomless sadness

Metaphorically describes sadness that seems to have no end or limit.

FAQs

How can I use "deepest despondency" in a sentence?

You can use "deepest despondency" to describe an overwhelming feeling of sadness or hopelessness. For instance, "After the devastating news, she sank into the "deepest despondency", unable to find solace."

What phrases are similar to "deepest despondency"?

Similar phrases include "profound despair", "utter hopelessness", or "abysmal dejection", all conveying a strong sense of sadness and loss of hope.

Is "deepest despondency" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "deepest despondency" is suitable for formal writing when you need to express a profound sense of sadness or despair. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

How does "deepest despondency" differ from "sadness"?

"Deepest despondency" implies a much more intense and prolonged state than simple "sadness". Despondency suggests a loss of hope and motivation, while sadness is a more general emotional state.