26984 words

despair

5 definitions • 12 examples
1
the feeling that there is no hope and that you can do nothing to improve a difficult or worrying situation:

Examples:

mood/sense of despair Hope began to fade, leaving a mood/sense of despair.
They're in (the depths of) despair over/about the money they've lost.
to someone’s despair To her teacher's despair, Nicole never does the work that she's told to do.
drive someone to despair Their fourth year without rain drove many farmers to despair.
2
to cause someone such difficulties that they do not know how to deal with you:

Examples:

He's the despair of his parents because he shows no interest in getting a job.
3
to feel despair about something or someone:

Examples:

Don't despair! We'll find a way out!
despair at/over I despair at/over the policies of this government.
despair of They began to despair of ever being rescued.
4
a feeling of being without hope or of not being able to improve a situation:

Examples:

A few sad moments doesn’t imply feelings of despair.
She flung up her arms in despair and wailed.
5
to lose hope or be without hope:

Examples:

Don’t despair – things will improve.
He began to despair of ever finding a job.

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