despondency

Also de·spond·ence

[dih-spon-duhn-see]

noun

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

   Synonyms: gloom, melancholy
   Antonyms: joy

Other Word Forms

• predespondency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of despondency¹

First recorded in 1645–55; despond + -ency

Synonym Study

See despair.

Example Sentences

The Chinese government is taking aim at an emotion that has become all too common on the country's internet - 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

Together, they selflessly work to keep each other from sinking further into despondency, substance abuse, and places where “the ghosts never leave.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

What you were left with at the end was a feeling of despondency at how poor Scotland actually were.

From BBC