Despair

Despair is a complete loss or absence of hope. It is an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, often stemming from a belief that a situation is beyond help or repair. This profound sense of negativity can affect all aspects of a person's life, leading to feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, and a diminished ability to cope with challenges. Despair can manifest as intense sadness, anxiety, or anger, and it can significantly impact mental and physical well-being. It is often accompanied by a sense of isolation and a belief that things will never improve. Despair can be a debilitating state, hindering motivation and the pursuit of goals.

Despair meaning with examples

• After losing his job and facing mounting debts, John sank into a deep despair. He felt utterly defeated and saw no possibility of a brighter future. The weight of his financial struggles and his inability to provide for his family crushed his spirit. Everyday was a torment as he lost sight of any path that could lead him to relief.
• The survivors of the shipwreck faced weeks adrift at sea. Their dwindling supplies and the loss of hope among their ranks, led to a Despair that threatened to destroy any reason to fight. Eventually, some gave into the despondency but those that remained became more and more determined to fight with all they had.
• The artist, struggling with a creative block, felt a growing sense of Despair as she watched her inspiration vanish. She felt isolated and unable to express herself, and her fear of failure led her to give into the Despair that was creeping in. This impacted her work and self-esteem, leaving her demotivated.
• Watching the relentless spread of the disease and the resulting loss of life, the doctor felt a deep despair. He questioned his ability to make any meaningful impact, and the sheer magnitude of the suffering he witnessed left him feeling helpless and defeated, and so he resigned from his position, unable to cope with the weight of it all.