What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
leadenheartedness
Example
After the loss of her pet, she felt a heavy leadenheartedness that lingered for weeks. [leadenheartedness: noun]
Example
The news of the accident left him with a sense of leadenheartedness that he couldn't shake off. [leadenheartedness: noun]
despondency
Example
The failure of his business left him in a state of despondency that lasted for months. [despondency: noun]
Example
She couldn't shake off the feeling of despondency after the breakup. [despondency: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Despondency is more commonly used than leadenheartedness in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Leadenheartedness is a less common and more poetic term that is used to describe a specific type of emotional state.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between leadenheartedness and despondency?
Both leadenheartedness and despondency are formal words that are typically used in serious or literary contexts. However, despondency is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.