noun
despondency
dih-SPAHN-dun-see/dɪˈspɑːndənsi/
A state of deep discouragement or loss of hope.
The man sinks into despondency beside his failed bridge model.
Etymology
The roots mean “promise away,” but the Latin verb also meant “give up” or “lose heart,” especially in the phrase “give up one’s soul.” Despondency names the resulting condition of lost hope or courage.
In context
he was in a state of great dejection and despondency it is true that he was brought forward for trial but he knew very well that trial meant torture
More examples
- A call from a friend helps lift his despondency.
- The team's initial disappointment soon deepens into despondency.
- Despite her despondency, she keeps applying for jobs.
Forms
despondent adjective — Feeling deeply discouraged or without hope.
despondently adverb — In a deeply discouraged or hopeless way.
Similar words
- despair
- Often suggests a more complete, overwhelming loss of hope.
- discouragement
- Can be milder and need not involve losing hope.