despair
noun
loss of hope; hopelessness.
was despairing
-
past progressiveof despair.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Tippett, a former NHS England boss who led on personalised care, told the BBC the result was "despairing".
From BBC ● May 19, 2026
Juan Villegas was despairing after the Eaton fire — many schools where he worked had been damaged in the blaze.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 21, 2025
It kept the invaders’ motives and their identities mysterious, amping up the devil-you-don’t-know terrors with a sense of randomness that was despairing.
From New York Times ● May 16, 2024
This time it was Sean Dyche who was despairing, as Ben Mee’s high foot caught Laurent Koscielny in the face in the final seconds of a prolonged stoppage time.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 22, 2017
Jason thought back to Ithaca, when he was despairing over the visit from his mom’s spirit.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
