despairing gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despairing gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or expression that conveys deep sadness or hopelessness. Example: "She turned to him with a despairing gaze, her eyes reflecting the weight of her troubles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But Manson is a cipher in this version of the story; we experience him mainly as refracted through the adoring (and later, despairing) gaze of his naïve young followers: Tex (Marc Pittman, Patty Leslie Orrrr), Sadie (Maureen Allisse) and Bobbi (Mr. Van Bebber himself).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a film that dives headlong into the chaos and carnage of Auschwitz in the crumbling stages of Nazi rule, landing with dirt in its face and rank despair in its gaze.

The Guardian - Film

Thus the bitter irony of a recent demonstration in Algiers, where the protesters chanted and carried signs declaring: "Val-de-Grâce pour tous!" An editor for the independent Algiers newspaper L'Expression summed up the collective despair of those who gaze on the disparity between the few and many: "Val-de-Grâce for heads of state and coup de grâce for everyone else".

The New York Times

They could wallow in the despair and navel-gaze to their heart's content.

BBC

Gaze upon their works, and despair if the Senate Democrats don't possess the good sense to move this matter into budget reconciliation.

Huffington Post

"The garbage truck collected the garbage at midnight instead of early morning," he said, gazing with despair at a clean street.

The New York Times

Nor would the locked-in syndrome sufferer Tony Nicklinson have been able to express so memorably – using eye-gaze – his despair at being refused the right to an assisted suicide.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Meryon doesn't look up at the heavens and despair that nothing is there; he doesn't gaze down into his grave with dread; he looks out at the pitiless France of Les Miserables.

Huffington Post

Each of them here in Rio will attempt to help a nation avert their gaze, however briefly, from the tumult and despair at home.

The Guardian - Sport

This mode of opposition kept the agonies of our divisions in the forefront of the public gaze for month upon month, to the despair of our supporters and the delight of our opponents".

The Guardian

Left alone on stage, she throws her head back, her gaze turned skyward as she conspiratorially traces the despair of What He Wrote and Once.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "despairing gaze" to vividly depict a character's profound sadness or hopelessness. It adds emotional depth and helps readers visualize their inner state.

Common error

Avoid using "despairing gaze" excessively, especially in situations that don't warrant extreme sadness. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic and detract from its impact. Consider using more subtle expressions of sadness when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despairing gaze" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to illustrate the emotional state of a subject. As Ludwig confirms, it accurately depicts deep sadness or hopelessness through a visual representation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despairing gaze" is a grammatically sound phrase used to vividly describe a look filled with hopelessness or deep sadness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it effectively communicates intense emotional states, particularly in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "hopeless look" or "sad eyes" can be used for similar effect, depending on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, avoid overuse to prevent melodramatic writing and ensure it aligns with the context's emotional intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hopeless look

Focuses on the lack of hope in the expression.

sad eyes

Emphasizes the sadness conveyed through the eyes.

sorrowful expression

Highlights the general sorrowful appearance.

melancholy stare

Indicates a prolonged, reflective sadness in the look.

grief-stricken eyes

Specifically points to the presence of grief.

defeated expression

Focuses on the sense of failure and surrender in the look.

anguished look

Highlights the intense suffering conveyed.

forlorn countenance

Implies abandonment and loneliness in the facial expression.

woebegone visage

Indicates a deeply sorrowful and distressed appearance.

desolate stare

Emphasizes the feeling of emptiness and abandonment in the gaze.

FAQs

How can I use "despairing gaze" in a sentence?

You can use "despairing gaze" to describe someone's expression when they are feeling hopeless or deeply sad. For example: "She turned to him with a "despairing gaze", her eyes reflecting the weight of her troubles."

What phrases are similar to "despairing gaze"?

Alternatives include "hopeless look", "sad eyes", or "sorrowful expression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "despairing gaze" formal or informal?

"Despairing gaze" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it's more commonly found in literature or descriptive contexts where emotional expression is key.

What does a "despairing gaze" imply?

A "despairing gaze" implies a profound sense of hopelessness, sadness, and often a lack of belief in a positive outcome. It suggests that the person is overwhelmed by their circumstances.