adj.
Pronunciation: -d ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin despondent-, despondens, present participle of despond ē re
Date: circa 1699
: feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression < despondent about his health>
– de · spon · dent · ly adverb
synonyms 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 >.