B1nounemotionspsychology
US/dɪˈsper/
UK/dɪˈspeə/
the feeling of having lost all hope
In context
She cried in despair when she lost her job.
He gave up in despair after the third failed attempt.
The villagers were filled with despair after the flood.
Words that go with despair
noun + preposition
- in despairShe looked at the bill in despair.
verb + preposition
- sink into despairAfter the news, he began to sink into despair.
- drive someone to despairThe endless delays seemed to drive everyone to despair.
verb + noun
- feel despairMany patients feel despair at first.
adjective + noun
- deep despairThe song speaks of deep despair.
- utter despairHe shook his head in utter despair.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
After the exam he was despair.Correct: After the exam he was in despair.