How to Memorize

despondent - unhappy

Analysis

To be ‘despondent’ is similar to being depressed. It means that you are in a state of extreme sadness, accompanied by a feeling of hopelessness. It is usually a reaction to something serious, such as receiving terrible news or losing a loved one.

Example(s)

1. James has been despondent ever since he was fired from that company. He just can’t get over losing his dream job.

2. With mass staff lay-offs imminent, there was an air of despondency around the office.

3. Alice seems trapped in a downward spiral at the moment. She’s increasingly despondent about the direction her life is heading in.