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
1
Showing or feeling a total loss of hope.
"He gave a despairing shrug as the deadline passed."
How to use despairing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHopeless, or showing that you've given up hope.
Common pairings
a despairing look
despairing sigh
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Word forms
- Plural
- despairings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He gave a _____ shrug as the deadline passed.
Etymology
From Middle English despeyringe, the same as despair plus -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for despairing
See all rhymes for despairing →Frequently asked questions
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.
