despairing

1 of 2

adjective

de·​spair·​ing di-ˈsper-iŋ How to pronounce despairing (audio)
Synonyms of despairingnext
: given to, arising from, or marked by despair : devoid of hope
a despairing sigh
despairingly
di-ˈsper-iŋ-lē How to pronounce despairing (audio)
adverb

despairing

2 of 2

present participle of despair entry 2

Synonyms of despairing

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Adjective

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despondent, despairing, desperate, hopeless mean having lost all or nearly all hope.

despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort.

despondent about yet another rejection

despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency.

despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration.

one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation.

the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

Examples of despairing in a Sentence

Adjective despairing predictions regarding the effects of global overpopulation despairing applicants need to be reminded that most students are eventually accepted somewhere
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.
Adjective
Smashed with the instep of Mbappe’s right foot, the ball arced viciously into the top-right corner, beyond Bounou’s despairing dive. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 9 July 2026 After 25 years, you'd be forgiven for thinking — despairing, really — that the formula for a perfect Scary Movie has been forgotten. — Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026 Still, Ohm is more despairing and miserable than any of the wretched worms Scott has acted to date. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 It’s not meant to be despairing, but your question hits the nail on the head. — Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for despairing

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of despair entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of despairing was in 1589

Rhymes for despairing

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Browse Nearby Words

despairful
despairing
despairingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Despairing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/despairing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

despairing

adjective
de·​spair·​ing
di-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ, 
-ˈspe(ə)r-
: given to, coming from, or marked by despair : not having hope
despairingly
-iŋ-lē How to pronounce despairing (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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