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Definition of despondent

despondent

/dɪˈspɑːn.dənt/
de · spon · dent
Adverb:despondently
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despondent Lexical Profile

despondent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

In low spirits from loss of hope or courage; feeling or showing profound dejection and discouragement.

Example

"She grew increasingly despondent after months of searching for a job without receiving a single interview offer."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for despondent

• Nearby Words

despite
despondence
despondency
despondent
despondently
despot
despotic

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin despondentem, the present participle of despondere ('to give up, lose heart, or resign'), formed from de- ('away') and spondere ('to promise or pledge one's spirit').

Cite this Entry

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