despairing

[ dih-spair-ing ]

See synonyms for despairing on Thesaurus.com

adjective

given to despair or hopelessness.
indicating despair: a despairing look.

Origin of despairing

First recorded in 1585–95; despair + -ing²

synonym study For despairing

1. See hopeless.

Opposites for despairing

hopeful

See antonyms for despairing on Thesaurus.com

Other words from despairing

de·spair·ing·ly, adverb
un·de·spair·ing, adjective
un·de·spair·ing·ly, adverb

Words Nearby despairing

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use despairing in a sentence

Though it doesn’t wrap up with anything close to a happy ending, it’s more galvanizing than it is despairing.
Oscar-Nominated Documentary Collective Is a Gripping Story of Investigative Journalism | Stephanie Zacharek | March 24, 2021 | Time
His disturbing images are what despairing victims and survivors in Liberia hoped the world would see.
The Photojournalist Who Stared Down Ebola | Abby Haglage | November 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
We were too tired to resist this outrage, but shuffled down the street, silent and despairing.
The Stacks: H.L. Mencken on the 1904 Baltimore Fire | H.L. Mencken | October 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
despairing about the length and frequency of the many fashion weeks has become a tired refrain.
The Drama of Being a Model: Spike Jonze and Jonah Hill Land in Fashion Week | Allison McNearney | September 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
despairing, Brody picks up the syringe the doctor has left for him—and injects the heroin the doctor left alongside it.
Damian Lewis Spills On ‘Homeland’s’ Shocking Plot Twist and Brody’s Return | Andrew Romano | October 14, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

despairing, he is consoled by an elder statesman of his party.
Trollope v Hardy | David Frum | January 28, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
He tried the effect of ridicule on the wretched and despairing Louis; and to one of his arguments, he at last extorted a reply.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane Porter
On landing, the old prince, trembling from top to toe, with despairing glance clutched the arm of the Governor for protection.
The Philippine Islands | John Foreman
When she could hold a pen in her hand, she sent a despairing letter to Madame Valmonde.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories | Kate Chopin
His art brings rest and tranquillity to the wearied and despairing, and she did not speak again until they had reached the house.
The Fifth String | John Philip Sousa
Being to leeward, they could hear despairing cries distinctly, and four or five human beings were seen clinging to the side.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands | R.M. Ballantyne

British Dictionary definitions for despairing

despairing

/ (dɪˈspɛərɪŋ) /

adjective

marked by or resulting from despair; hopeless or desperate

Derived forms of despairing

despairingly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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