Definition of Despondent
Quick Meaning of Despondent
Feeling hopeless and discouraged; believing that a situation will not improve.
Detailed Definition of Despondent
In low spirits due to loss of hope or confidence; feeling that improvement is impossible.
How to Pronounce Despondent
Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).
Tip: Stress on second syllable: /dɪˈspɒn-/. The schwa in third syllable is unstressed.
Watch out: de-SPON-dent (correct: dih-SPON-dent). Vowel in first syllable should be schwa.
Origin and Etymology of Despondent
Latin despondere (to lose courage); de- (down) + spondere (to promise, pledge).
How to Use Despondent in a Sentence
Each example shows “despondent” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“After weeks of rejection, the applicant became increasingly despondent.”
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“The despondent investors withdrew their money from the collapsing market.”
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“She sounded despondent on the phone; I knew something serious had happened.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Despondent
Common Synonyms for Despondent
Smart Synonyms for Despondent — When to Use Each
- disheartened
- Loss of courage from specific setback
- dispirited
- Lacking spirit and energy; more resigned
- dejected
- Sadness from failure or setback
- morose
- Habitually gloomy; darker temperament
Antonyms of Despondent
Common Collocations with Despondent
These phrases pair with “despondent” in everyday English:
- feel despondent
- grow despondent
- despondent mood
- sound despondent
Common Mistakes When Using Despondent
Even fluent speakers slip up with “despondent”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He was despondent about winning the lottery.
- ✓ Correct: He was despondent about failing the test.
- Why: Despondent is about loss of hope; winning contradicts it. Pair with failure/setback.
- ✗ Wrong: She became despondent for five seconds.
- ✓ Correct: She became despondent for weeks.
- Why: Despondent implies persistent hopelessness; very brief sadness uses sad/upset instead.
Words Confused With Despondent
- Despondent vs Desperate: Desperate: willing to take risks; despondent: passive hopelessness.
Other Forms of Despondent
- Noun: despondency
- Adjective: despondent
- Adverb: despondently
Frequently Asked Questions About Despondent
What is the meaning of "Despondent"?
Feeling hopeless and discouraged; believing that a situation will not improve.
How do you pronounce "Despondent"?
The IPA is /dɪˈspɒndənt/. Stress on second syllable: /dɪˈspɒn-/. The schwa in third syllable is unstressed.
What part of speech is "Despondent"?
"Despondent" is an adjective at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Despondent"?
Common synonyms include dejected, disheartened, dispirited.
How do you use "Despondent" in a sentence?
For example: "After weeks of rejection, the applicant became increasingly despondent."