Synonyms for

Despair

Verb / dɪˈsper / Another word for despair — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the complete loss or absence of hope

Synonyms & similar words

hope desperation hopelessness misery anguish gloom desolation sadness melancholy depression dismay discouragement disheartenment defeatism pessimism sorrow grief despondency dejection woe unhappiness distress

Synonyms by register

Formal

hopelessness despondency gloom dejection

Informal

bummer downer the blues low spirits

Literary

anguish woe desolation

Antonyms

hope joy optimism cheer delight elation confidence

Common collocations

  • deep despair
  • utter despair
  • sink into despair
  • lose all hope
  • face despair
  • overcome despair
  • cry in despair

Word family

noun despair
verb despair
adjective despairing

Usage note

Despair refers to a complete loss or absence of hope. It is a strong emotion, often associated with profound sadness or hopelessness.

Example sentences

  1. The boy felt despair when he lost his favorite toy.
  2. The woman's despair was evident in her tears.
  3. His despair turned to hope when he found the missing keys.
  4. The team was filled with despair after losing the championship game.
  5. The students were in despair when they saw the difficult exam questions.

Quotes

  • “Despair is the price one pays for setting oneself an impossible aim.” - Graham Greene
  • “There is no despair so absolute as that which comes with the first moments of our first great sorrow, when we have not yet known what it is to have suffered and be healed, to have despaired and recovered hope.” - George Eliot
  • “Despair is the ultimate price of chaos.” - J.G. Ballard

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