# despairing

/dɪˈspɛɹɪŋ/ (US) · /dɪspˈeəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/despairing
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

feeling that nothing good can happen and there is no hope left. You feel this when a situation seems completely hopeless.

For teachers: feeling or showing a complete loss of hope; believing that a situation cannot improve. Often describes cries, attempts, or expressions made in hopelessness.

## Examples

- She feels despairing after losing her job.
- After months without work, he sends despairing messages to friends asking for help.
- The rescue teams worked through the night despite the despairing silence that followed each unanswered call from beneath the rubble.

## Synonyms

hopeless, desperate, despondent

## Antonyms

hopeful, optimistic

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after 'feel' or 'seem' and attributively before nouns like 'cry', 'look', or 'attempt'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.