What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
despairfulness
Example
The news of her father's death left her in a state of despairfulness. [despairfulness: noun]
Example
He felt a sense of despairfulness when he realized he had lost his job. [despairfulness: adjective]
despondency
Example
She couldn't shake off the feeling of despondency after her breakup. [despondency: noun]
Example
His despondency was evident in his lack of motivation to do anything. [despondency: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Despondency is more commonly used than despairfulness in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between despairfulness and despondency?
Both despairfulness and despondency are formal words that are typically used in serious or literary contexts.
