despondent
/dɪˈspɒndənt/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈspɑːndənt/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈspän-dənt/ (ame, mw)
despondent — adjective
- despondentpositive
- more despondentcomparative
- most despondentsuperlative
1. feeling extremely sad and without hope because you believe a difficult situation
feeling extremely sad and without hope because you believe a difficult situation will not improve or that nothing good can happen anymore
The elderly fisherman became despondent after the storm destroyed his boat and equipment.
become despondent after [negative event]
The high school teacher felt despondent when the school board cut the arts programme she had spent years developing.
Residents grew increasingly despondent about the city's slow response to the housing crisis.
After months of unsuccessful job applications, the recent graduate became so despondent that he stopped applying altogether.
The night-shift nurse felt despondent over the hospital's decision to dismiss three of her colleagues.
- dejected
Milder and more temporary than despondent; typically follows a specific setback (e.g., failing a test) and passes more quickly.
- downhearted
More informal and less intense; closer to 'discouraged' than to the hopelessness implied by despondent.
- disheartened
Focuses on losing confidence or courage after facing obstacles, without necessarily losing all hope.
- morose
Describes a gloomy, withdrawn mood that may be a personality trait rather than a reaction to a specific event.
- hopeful
The direct opposite — believing that a situation can and will improve.
- cheerful
Light-hearted and positive in mood; contrasts with the heavy sadness of despondent.
- optimistic
Having a general outlook that good things will happen, opposite of despondent's expectation of failure.
文法句型
be / become / feel / grow despondent
despondent about / over [something]
despondent at [something]
so despondent that [clause]
用法筆記
Despondent describes a deeper, more lasting hopelessness than everyday sadness or discouragement. It is reserved for serious setbacks — losing a long-term project, facing a major health crisis, or experiencing a profound disappointment. For minor frustrations, use 'disappointed' or 'downhearted' instead.