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

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

Sahar Kamel Samouni, a 33-year-old mother of five displaced from Gaza City, was despairing: Even when food could be found, the drinking water was dirty and the children came down with diarrhea.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2023

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

She was despairing of ever getting it right when one morning there was gum under the pillow.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck