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Definition of despondency

despondency

/dɪˈspɑːn.dən.si/
de · spon · den · cy
Adverb:despondently
•
Plural:despondencies
•
Adjective:despondent
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despondency Lexical Profile

despondency Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A state of low spirits, dejection, and gloom resulting from a loss of hope or courage.

Example

"After months of unsuccessful job interviews, a deep sense of despondency began to settle over him."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for despondency

• Nearby Words

despiser
despite
despondence
despondency
despondent
despondently
despot

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb 'despondere', meaning 'to give up' or 'to lose heart' (often in the phrase 'animum despondere'), formed from 'de-' (away) and 'spondere' (to promise or pledge).

Cite this Entry

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