despondent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "despondent" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is an adjective which means feeling or showing extreme dejection, low spirits, or discouragement. For example, "The despondent girl could not bring herself to smile, despite her friends' efforts to cheer her up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Opinion

Sport

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chadwick's despondent vocals and a melancholic guitar line are run though a heavy wash of reverb, the kind of song that sounds like it was written at the depressing end of an all-night bender.

The Guardian - Music

In a foreign policy speech in Sydney on Sunday following the G20 summit, Merkel sounded deeply despondent about Putin's policies and behaviour and gloomy about the prospects of forcing a strategic shift from the Kremlin.

The Guardian

All of her Aids infested stans are going to be tweeting the video link and giving blowjobs on Craigslist in exchange for video views!" Despondent Gaga fans might kill themselves, the note surmised, which would put an end to the problem.

The Guardian - Music

But I'm not so despondent that I can't see any hope for future elections, especially when I look at the fourfold increase in support the Greens have achieved in just four years.

The Guardian - Opinion

A mere 30 minutes long, it maps the breakdown of a relationship, but rather than stewing in despondent aftermath there is a keenness to Michaelson's storytelling, there in the sharp cut of his lyrics, the humour, the precision of his vocabulary, that lifts these woebegone tales from the gloom.

The Guardian - Music

Because I was having trouble fitting into the box, I got very despondent.

The Guardian - Film

"We were despondent, but the people at home were celebrating and partying because for them it was a very good result," said Zayatte.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Sydney Roosters flog North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville There's no point in fans getting too excited or despondent when we've taken just the first step on the long yellow road to the Emerald City but you can be sure fans of North Queensland and New Zealand would have sighed "Here we go…" after seeing their respective teams' underwhelming opening matches.

The Guardian - Sport

There are former members of the major parties who have become disillusioned and despondent.

The Guardian

But Irish radicals should not be too despondent, even if the masses seem more interested at present in sunscreen than socialism.

The Guardian

The dressing room is very despondent.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "despondent", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the sadness or loss of hope to provide a complete understanding of the emotional state being described.

Common error

While "despondent" is a valid word, overuse in formal writing can make the tone overly dramatic. Consider using more nuanced alternatives like "disheartened" or "dispirited" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "despondent" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of low spirits due to loss of hope or courage. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. For example, someone might be described as a "despondent worker" or a "despondent fan".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Music

8%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Opinion

6%

Film

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despondent" is a versatile adjective that accurately describes a state of low spirits and loss of hope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common use across various contexts. As analyzed, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Music and Sport, denoting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the sadness and consider nuanced alternatives like "disheartened" in formal settings to avoid an overly dramatic tone. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "despondent" to convey a specific emotional state with clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dejected

Focuses more on the feeling of being cast down or disheartened.

disheartened

Highlights the loss of spirit or enthusiasm.

downcast

Emphasizes a lowered mood or expression.

dispirited

Suggests a lack of energy or motivation.

crestfallen

Implies disappointment after a failure or setback.

gloomy

Indicates a general feeling of pessimism or darkness.

melancholy

Refers to a pensive sadness, often with no apparent cause.

morose

Conveys a sullen and ill-tempered sadness.

pessimistic

Focuses on a belief that things will turn out badly.

in despair

Highlights a complete loss of hope.

FAQs

How can I use "despondent" in a sentence?

You can use "despondent" to describe someone feeling a loss of hope or courage, for example, "The team was "despondent" after their defeat".

What are some synonyms for "despondent"?

Alternatives include "dejected", "disheartened", or "downcast", each carrying a slightly different shade of meaning related to sadness and loss of hope.

Is "despondent" a formal or informal word?

"Despondent" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in highly formal writing, you might consider synonyms for greater precision depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "despondent" and "depressed"?

"Despondent" implies a temporary loss of hope or courage, often tied to a specific event. "Depressed", on the other hand, can indicate a more prolonged and potentially clinical condition. Using "despondent" suggests a reaction to circumstances, while "depressed" may imply a more pervasive state.