Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He had despaired of achieving success in his home country, which gave the film only a limited release.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2023

Dr. Rachel Easterwood, who works the night shift in the I.C.U., had despaired at how little could be done for some patients.

From New York Times • May 3, 2020

Many Puerto Rican activists had despaired for years that the islands’ people weren’t standing up for themselves.

From Slate • Jul. 25, 2019

By the mid-1970s, the SDS had broken apart, and many young people had despaired that peaceful change - or any change - was possible.

From Washington Times • Oct. 24, 2016

Even Grandfather had despaired of trying, and that’s why they were in America.

From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord