Need another word for Despondency? Use these synonyms of Despondency from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
despair
hopelessness
desolation
desperation
melancholy
gloom
sadness
sorrow
depression
dejection
dismay
discouragement
disheartenment
demoralization
unhappiness
misery
wretchedness
distress
anguish
torment
grief
sorrowfulness
moroseness
glumness
dreariness
bleakness
grimness
somberness
solemnity
pessimism
cynicism
skepticism
resignation
defeatism
fatalism
stoicism
Meaning of Despondency
A state of feeling utterly disheartened and hopeless
Definitions
- A state of feeling very sad and hopeless, with no enthusiasm or interest in anything
- * A feeling of utter despair and desolation, often accompanied by a sense of powerlessness or helplessness
Etymology of Despondency
The word "despondency" originates from the Latin words "de" (meaning "away from" or "down") and "spondere" (meaning "to pledge" or "to promise"), with the suffix "-cy" added to form a noun
Historically, the word has been used since the 15th century to describe a state of hopelessness or despair
Example Uses
- The news of the job loss filled her with despondency, and she struggled to find the motivation to apply for new positions
- * The despondency that had settled over the team after their defeat was palpable, and it took weeks for them to regain their confidence
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
hope
optimism
enthusiasm
eagerness
excitement
cheerfulness
happiness
joy
elation
euphoria
confidence
courage
resilience
determination
perseverance
positivity
buoyancy
liveliness
vibrancy
energy
zeal
passion
excitement
thrill
exhilaration