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Definition of despondence

despondence

/dɪˈspɑːn.dəns/
de · spond · ence
Adverb:despondently
•
Adjective:despondent
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despondence Lexical Profile

despondence Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A state of low spirits caused by a loss of hope or courage; deep dejection.

Example

"After months of unsuccessful job applications, a quiet despondence settled over him."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for despondence
Antonyms
View all antonyms for despondence

Word Nuance & Usage

While "despondence" and "despondency" are synonymous, "despondency" is far more common in modern English usage.

• Rhymes for despondence

• Nearby Words

despise
despiser
despite
despondence
despondency
despondent
despondently

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-17th century from the Latin verb despondere, meaning "to give up" or "to lose heart" (literally "to promise away"), from de- ("away") and spondere ("to promise").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Despondence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/despondence
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