adj

despairing

dih-SPEH-uh-rihng

Despairing (adj) means showing or feeling a total loss of hope. Example: “He gave a despairing shrug as the deadline passed.”

adj

Showing or feeling a total loss of hope.

"He gave a despairing shrug as the deadline passed."

How to use despairing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHopeless, or showing that you've given up hope.

Common pairings

a despairing look despairing sigh

despairings plural

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He gave a _____ shrug as the deadline passed.

From Middle English despeyringe, equivalent to despair + -ing.

Origin: Middle English

airing wiring tiring firing hiring pairing admiring retiring aspiring desiring inquiring enquiring

What does “despairing” mean?

The word “despairing” means showing or feeling a total loss of hope. In plain terms, hopeless, or showing that you've given up hope.

How do you pronounce “despairing”?

“Despairing” is pronounced dih-SPEH-uh-rihng (/dɪˈspɛɹ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “despairing” in a sentence?

Here is “despairing” used in a sentence: “He gave a despairing shrug as the deadline passed.”

What part of speech is “despairing”?

“Despairing” is an adjective.