Definition

Feeling or showing a complete lack of hope; very sad and without any chance of improvement.

Example

After hearing the bad news, she had a despairing look on her face.

Conversation

I’ve been feeling really despairing about my job lately.

I can understand that; sometimes it feels like nothing is going right.

Exactly! It just seems like I can't catch a break.

Let's talk it out; maybe we can figure something out together.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Despairing → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "spair" (from Latin "sperare", meaning to hope). The word describes the state of being without hope or feeling down about the absence of hope.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'down' ('de-') and 'without hope' ('sperare') — that's what despairing means.

Visually Confused Words