Can Despairing Be a Verb?

The word despair is also commonly used as a verb meaning to lose all hope, and despairing comes from the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb. A despairing person is usually someone who is deeply sad about something that has happened or that hasn't happened—something usually triggers the despair.

How do you use despair as a verb?

: to give up or lose all hope or confidence She began to despair of ever finding her homework paper. 1 : loss of hope : a feeling of complete hopelessness He finally gave up in despair.

What is the verb form of despair?

despaired. past participle. despaired. DEFINITIONS1. to feel that a situation is so bad that nothing you can do will change it.

Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett

Culture, Media & Entertainment Columnist

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.