Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Despondent” — 5 Other Ways to Say It
Feeling hopeless and discouraged; believing that a situation will not improve.
Meaning of Despondent
In low spirits due to loss of hope or confidence; feeling that improvement is impossible.
How to Pronounce Despondent
IPA: /dɪˈspɒndənt/ Stress: oOo
Stress on second syllable: /dɪˈspɒn-/. The schwa in third syllable is unstressed.
5 Synonyms for Despondent — Words Similar to Despondent
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
morose
/məˈroʊs/Being in a bad mood that is silent and unfriendly; unwilling to talk or be social.
Example: After the argument, he became morose and refused to join the group.
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 — Opposite Words
How to Use Despondent and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- After weeks of rejection, the applicant became increasingly despondent. B2
- The despondent investors withdrew their money from the collapsing market. C1
- She sounded despondent on the phone; I knew something serious had happened. B1
Common Word Choice Mistakes with Despondent
Not natural: She became despondent for five seconds.
Better: She became despondent for weeks.
Despondent implies persistent hopelessness; very brief sadness uses sad/upset instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Despondent
What is another word for "despondent"?
Common synonyms for "despondent" include: dejected, disheartened, dispirited, downhearted, morose.
What can I say instead of "despondent"?
Try one of these alternatives: dejected, disheartened, dispirited, downhearted, morose. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "despondent" formal or informal?
"despondent" is generally used in formal contexts. Use it in writing, business, and academic settings.
When should I use "despondent" instead of "dejected"?
Use "despondent" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "dejected" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "despondent"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "despondent" include: hopeful, optimistic, encouraged.