feel despairing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel despairing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of hopelessness or deep sadness about a situation. Example: "After hearing the news, I couldn't help but feel despairing about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

At the end of all their frantic information and entertainment-gorging, they feel despairing and anxious -- bloated yet ravenous and malnourished.

Huffington Post

And I've seen the "suffering artist", and that issue of how to cope and survive when you feel despairing?

Huffington Post

"I don't feel despairing at all.

The Guardian - Film

She said: "I profoundly understand the concerns people have that make them feel despairing or angry but I profoundly disagree with the proposals that Ukip are putting forward.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is always romantics who feel despair.

Independent

'Don't feel despair,' they said.

The Guardian

I feel despair filter through me.

The Guardian - Books

People are not only angry but feel despair and resignation.

The Guardian

"I have bad moods, very bad moods, but I never feel despair.

The New York Times

Knowing these animals as intimately as you do, do you ever feel despair about what is happening to them?

The New York Times - Science

Every once in a while I feel despair over the fate of the planet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel despairing" to express a deep sense of hopelessness, particularly when reacting to overwhelming or seemingly unchangeable circumstances. It conveys a stronger sense of hopelessness than simply feeling sad or disappointed.

Common error

Avoid using "feel despairing" when describing everyday disappointments or minor setbacks. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving profound loss, overwhelming challenges, or a deep sense of hopelessness. Overusing it can diminish its impact and seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel despairing" functions as a verb phrase, where "feel" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "despairing", which describes the subject's emotional state. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a perfectly correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel despairing" is a grammatically sound and usable way to express a deep sense of hopelessness, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, its appearance in news and media contexts suggests it's a valid option for conveying strong emotions of discouragement. It's important to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong sentiment, avoiding overuse in minor setbacks. Alternatives such as "feel hopeless" or "feel despondent" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel hopeless

Focuses on the absence of hope, a key component of despair.

feel despondent

Emphasizes a loss of enthusiasm and hope.

be in despair

Highlights the state of being without hope.

feel discouraged

Highlights a loss of confidence and motivation.

feel disheartened

Stresses a reduction in spirit and enthusiasm.

feel dejected

Emphasizes sadness and disappointment.

lose heart

Implies a giving up of hope or courage.

feel defeated

Emphasizes a sense of having lost or failed.

feel crestfallen

Highlights extreme disappointment and sadness.

feel pessimistic

Focuses on a negative outlook on the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel despairing" to describe a strong sense of hopelessness about a particular situation. For example: "After the devastating news, I couldn't help but "feel despairing" about the future."

What are some alternatives to "feel despairing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "feel hopeless", "feel despondent", or "feel discouraged".

When is it appropriate to use "feel despairing"?

It's appropriate to use "feel despairing" when you want to convey a profound sense of hopelessness, often in the face of overwhelming or seemingly insurmountable difficulties. It suggests a deeper and more intense emotional state than simply feeling sad or disappointed.

What's the difference between "feel despairing" and "feel hopeless"?

"Feel despairing" suggests a more active and intense emotional experience of hopelessness, while "feel hopeless" can sometimes imply a more passive or resigned state. "Feel despairing" often carries a stronger sense of anguish or distress.