despairing v. + Add to list US //dɪˈspɛɹɪŋ// UK //dɪspˈeəɹɪŋ// de·spair·ing SynonymsAntonymsEtymology Synonyms despairdesperate Antonyms hopeOriginMEdespeyringe→ENdespairing From Middle English despeyringe, equivalent to despair + -ing.