in despondency

USAGE SUMMARY

"in despondency" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means feeling extreme hopelessness or despair. Example: After losing her job and going through a difficult breakup, she could not shake off the feeling of being in despondency.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"But I was mired in despondency because the path I chose was blocked by a border.

The New York Times

The concluding chapters depict a cabinet enveloped in despondency that Brown is leading to an awful defeat.

The Guardian - Books

In AIB we are learning the lessons from past mistakes, but we must not get bogged down in despondency".

The Guardian - Business

After serving in Afghanistan, he floundered in despondency until Fuches began paying him to murder small-time low-lifes.

The New Yorker

Not so long ago the meeting-houses for a political faith in despondency, gatherings such as those set up by members of the Party of European Socialists (PES), an umbrella group of socialist and social-democratic parties to which all 13 governing parties belong, have begun to have influence on the continent at least, if not in more sceptical Britain.

The Economist

He returned to his beloved Real Madrid in 1982 but that season ended in despondency when the team finished runners-up in five competitions: the Spanish league, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Supercup, the Copa de la Liga and to underdogs Aberdeen in the European Cup Winners' Cup final.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Toby Roland-Jones, a long-time favourite of this column, proved the hero, his hat-trick prompting delirium in London and despondency in Taunton.

The Guardian - Sport

Vicari, a heavyset man in a big coat, gestured outside in exaggerated despondency.

The New York Times - Magazine

The results of this project are envisaged to revolutionize FMS and pain catastrophizing research and in the future, assist health professionals and FMS patients in reducing despondency regarding FMS management.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The meeting ended in disorder, despondency and an accord that tacitly admitted the world could not work in cooperation.

The Guardian

"Eventually I reached a dangerously low point, and, in my despondency, began going to the campus' sexual assault counselor," the woman wrote in The Amherst Student.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in despondency", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause or source of the despondency to provide a complete and meaningful picture for the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "in despondency" is somewhat formal. In casual conversation or informal writing, consider using simpler, more relatable phrases like "feeling down" or "in low spirits" to avoid sounding overly dramatic or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in despondency" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to describe a state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct, denoting a state of hopelessness or despair. The examples show it typically follows verbs like 'mired', 'floundered', or 'ended', providing context for the subject's emotional state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in despondency" is a grammatically sound and neutrally formal way to describe a state of deep sadness and hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it adds a layer of emotional depth and is frequently found in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing context for the cause of the despondency. Consider using simpler terms for informal context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in despair

This alternative replaces "despondency" with "despair", indicating a more intense feeling of hopelessness.

in dejection

This phrase uses "dejection" which is a more formal synonym for low spirits or sadness.

in hopelessness

This replaces "despondency" with "hopelessness", directly expressing a lack of hope.

in low spirits

This alternative is more informal and describes a general state of unhappiness.

in a state of melancholy

This phrase emphasizes a more prolonged and contemplative sadness.

in gloom

This is a more concise and somewhat poetic way to express being in a state of sadness.

in sorrow

This alternative uses "sorrow", which implies a deep sadness, often due to loss.

overcome by despair

This phrase suggests a stronger, more overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.

engulfed in sadness

This conveys the feeling of being completely surrounded by sadness.

in grief

This term suggests deep sorrow, usually associated with the loss of a loved one.

FAQs

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

You can use "in despondency" to describe a state of hopelessness or despair, such as: "After the project failed, the team was "in despondency"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in despondency"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in despair", "in dejection", or "in hopelessness", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "in despondency" or "with despondency"?

"In despondency" is generally preferred as it describes a state of being. "With despondency" could be used, but it's less common and may sound awkward.

What does it mean to be "in despondency"?

To be "in despondency" means to be experiencing a profound sense of sadness, hopelessness, and discouragement, often as a result of difficult circumstances or loss.