despair
noun
loss of hope; hopelessness.
were 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.
At the time, many singles, hot or otherwise, were despairing about the pandemic and the ways it had complicated the dating equation.
From New York Times ● Oct. 13, 2021
The rescue operation will come as a major comfort to stranded Britons and their families who were despairing about loved ones, including some with medical needs.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 30, 2020
“Life with John was mainly very joyful, but there were despairing, difficult times when I would wonder whether his blindness would fundamentally change our relationship.”
From The Guardian ● Feb. 11, 2017
Just as we were despairing over the kimchi, Woori’s spicy variety came through.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 14, 2016
The lost, as it were despairing look of the dog began to penetrate his brain.
From Tatterdemalion by John Galsworthy
