profound despondency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound despondency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep and intense state of sadness or hopelessness. Example: "After the loss of her beloved pet, she fell into a state of profound despondency that lasted for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

MJ Kaufman's darkly funny play, directed by Adrienne Campbell-Holt, illuminates the absurd lengths humans will go to to avoid their daily lives, but also captures well the profound despondency of dreamers who are forever looking up.

The New Yorker

In the words of one of the surviving crew members, "From the delirium of joy, we fell into profound despondency and grief".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Fashion week in New York usually ends with murmurs and cries of "Genius!" But it ended yesterday on a different note, a profound sense of despondency.

The New York Times

More despondency!

The Guardian - Opinion

A despondency overtookIndian Islam.

The New York Times

The despondency soon lifts.

The Guardian - Books

Still, I sensed her despondency.

The New York Times

A decade ago, that despondency was real.

The New York Times - Food

There is despondency and latent unrest.

The Economist

Does the despondency help us solve anything?

The New York Times - Magazine

Despondency is everywhere, despite the "rescue".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound despondency" to describe an exceptionally deep and pervasive state of sadness, often resulting from significant loss or disappointment. Ensure the context justifies the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "profound despondency" to describe everyday sadness or minor setbacks. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations involving genuine and intense emotional distress.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "profound despondency" is to act as a noun phrase that describes a state of intense sadness or hopelessness. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically functions as the object of a verb or the subject being described.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profound despondency" accurately describes a state of deep and overwhelming sadness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, but emphasizes that its usage should be reserved for situations where the intensity of the emotion warrants it. While alternatives like "deep despair" and "intense sorrow" exist, "profound despondency" carries a specific weight, indicating a pervasive and often debilitating sense of hopelessness. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts when describing particularly serious or tragic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep despair

Focuses on the utter loss of hope, emphasizing the depth of the negative emotion.

intense sorrow

Highlights the severity of sadness experienced.

acute hopelessness

Stresses the sharp and overwhelming feeling of having no hope.

utter dejection

Emphasizes a state of being completely cast down or dispirited.

deep-seated grief

Indicates a sorrow that is deeply rooted and long-lasting.

crushing disappointment

Highlights the overwhelming feeling of unmet expectations and failure.

overwhelming sadness

Focuses on the magnitude and intensity of the sorrow.

intense melancholy

Suggests a persistent state of pensive sadness, often with a touch of longing.

abject despair

Conveys a state of extreme hopelessness and resignation.

grievous sorrow

Emphasizes the painful and burdensome nature of the sadness.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound despondency" to describe a deep and overwhelming feeling of sadness or hopelessness. For example: "After the company declared bankruptcy, a wave of "profound despondency" swept through the employees."

What are some alternatives to "profound despondency"?

Alternatives include "deep despair", "intense sorrow", or "acute hopelessness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "profound despondency" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct, "profound despondency" is not as common as simpler alternatives like "deep sadness" or "intense despair". Its use implies a particularly significant depth of feeling.

What is the difference between "profound despondency" and "sadness"?

"Sadness" is a general term for feeling unhappy, while "profound despondency" indicates a much deeper, more pervasive, and often debilitating state of hopelessness and despair.