despondency

American  

[dih-spon-duhn-see] / dɪˈspɒn dən si /

Also despondence

noun

1. state of being despondent; depression of spirits from loss of courage or hope; dejection.

   Synonyms:

   gloom, melancholy

   Antonyms:

   joy

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Related Words

See despair.

Other Word Forms

• predespondency noun

Etymology

Origin of despondency

First recorded in 1645–55; despond + -ency

Example Sentences

That's a stellar cast list in the casualty unit, particularly the three forwards and especially the locks, who have been immense in Scotland's recovery from the despondency of Rome.

From BBC

Arsenal's joy in Italy contrasted with despondency in Norway for Premier League heavyweights Man City.

From Barron's

His was a platform that may well have been ideal for despondency.

From BBC

The initial excitement of a leadership contest and the opportunity to renew their party in opposition has given way, for many Conservative MPs, to a deep and deepening despondency.

From BBC

The group's UK Director, Luke Tryl, diagnoses a "despondency or misery about the state of Britain that doesn't feel sustainable".

From BBC