despairing

/dɪˈspeərɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [dɪspˈɛrɪŋ] /dɪˈsperɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [dɪspˈɛrɪŋ] /di-ˈsper-iŋ How to pronounce despairing (audio)/ (ame, mw)

despairing — adjective

  • despairingpositive
  • more despairingcomparative
  • most despairingsuperlative

1. feeling or showing that nothing good is likely to happen and no way out seems le

1.形容詞C2
釋義

feeling or showing that nothing good is likely to happen and no way out seems left.

例句

After three rejected appeals, Ravindra gave the judge a despairing look.

despairing look after repeated failure

Obi sounded despairing when the landlord doubled the rent again.

predicative: sound despairing after another setback

同義詞
  • hopeless

    broader and more everyday; can describe people, situations, or results

  • despondent

    focuses on low spirits and discouragement, often with less intensity

  • desperate

    often adds urgent need or reckless pressure, not just visible hopelessness

  • dejected

    usually follows a setback and is milder than near-total loss of hope

反義詞
  • hopeful

    shows belief that a good result is still possible

  • encouraged

    suggests confidence has been strengthened rather than broken

  • confident

    shows trust in success instead of fear that nothing can improve

文法句型

despairing + look / voice / cry / gesture

sound / feel despairing

a despairing speech or message

用法筆記

Often used for visible or audible signs of hopelessness, especially a look, voice, cry, tone, or gesture. Predicative use commonly follows verbs such as sound, feel, or seem when the person appears close to giving up.

常見錯誤

❌The boys gave a despairing look because the pizza was late.
✅The boys gave an impatient look because the pizza was late.
💡'despairing' suggests hope is almost gone, not a small everyday frustration.