despondency

noun

de·​spon·​den·​cy di-ˈspän-dən-sē How to pronounce despondency (audio)
Synonyms of despondencynext
: the state of being despondent or extremely low in spirits : dejection, hopelessness
sank into despondency while he was unemployed

Examples of despondency in a Sentence

in despondency because he couldn't seem to settle into a lasting relationship in their despondency they seemingly forgot that losing teams can become winning teams in a single season
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At each meeting, trustees face outrage over the 1,000 pink slips issued to district staff and parent despondency over the closure of preschool programs and other services. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026 On Carve, despondency and desolation remain her default modes. Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 21 Apr. 2026 In the dressing room after the game, there was disappointment but no despondency. James McNicholas, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026 But while some like Nazanin feel a despondency heading into the new year, for others, hope springs eternal. Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for despondency

Word History

Etymology

see despond entry 1

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of despondency was in 1653

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Cite this Entry

“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/despondency. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

despondency

noun
de·​spond·​en·​cy
di-ˈspän-dən-sē
: the state of being despondent : dejection, discouragement

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