adjective

despondent

dih-SPON-dunt/dɪˈspɑːndənt/

Very discouraged and without hope.

The despondent athlete sits on the bench, visibly discouraged.

Discouraged Latina athlete sitting on bench.

Etymology

deLatinaway

+spondLatinto promise

+entLatinpresent participle ending

Although the roots mean “promise away,” the Latin verb also expressed giving up or losing heart, as in “give up one’s soul.” Its participle describes someone losing courage, hence deeply discouraged and without hope.

In context

Maidenhead Citadel Salvation Army29:34

we can become despondent and discouraged based on the circumstances we find ourselves in we feel like it isn't worth it anymore

BTH61: Grand Designs (Part 4) 'Oh Oh Asbestos!' - Nehemiah 4

More examples

He grew despondent when the treatment failed again.
Residents are despondent about the town's future after its largest employer closes.
After the breakup, I was too despondent to make plans.

Forms

despondent

despondence noun — A state of deep discouragement and hopelessness.

despondently adverb — In a deeply discouraged, hopeless manner.

Similar words

hopeless: More directly stresses the belief that nothing will improve.
dejected: Focuses on sadness rather than a complete loss of hope.
discouraged: Can describe milder disappointment without a complete loss of hope.