Top 34 Slang For Despair – Meaning & Usage

Feeling down and need a way to express it? Look no further! Our team has curated a list of the most fitting slang terms for despair that will resonate with anyone going through tough times. From subtle expressions to more dramatic phrases, we’ve got you covered. Dive in and discover new ways to articulate those feelings of gloom and doom.

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1. Down in the dumps

When someone is down in the dumps, they are feeling very low and unhappy.

For example, “Ever since he lost his job, he’s been down in the dumps.”
A friend might ask, “What’s got you down in the dumps?”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling down in the dumps lately, but I’m trying to stay positive.”

2. In a funk

When someone is in a funk, they are in a state of low mood or depression.

For instance, “I’ve been in a funk ever since I got rejected from my dream school.”
A person might say, “I can’t seem to shake this funk I’m in.”
Someone might ask, “How do you get out of a funk?”

3. Blue

To feel blue means to feel sad or melancholy.

For example, “I’m feeling a little blue today.”
A friend might ask, “What’s got you feeling blue?”
Someone might say, “I always listen to sad music when I’m feeling blue.”

4. Heartbroken

When someone is heartbroken, they are experiencing extreme sadness or grief, often as a result of a romantic breakup or loss.

For instance, “After his partner passed away, he was absolutely heartbroken.”
A person might say, “I’ve never felt so heartbroken in my life.”
Someone might ask, “How did you deal with being heartbroken?”

5. Crushed

When someone is crushed, they feel devastated or overwhelmed with sadness.

For example, “She was absolutely crushed when she didn’t get the job.”
A friend might ask, “Are you okay? You look crushed.”
Someone might say, “I felt completely crushed after the breakup.”

6. Wallowing

Wallowing refers to the act of dwelling in negative emotions, often without taking any action to improve one’s situation.

For example, “After his breakup, he spent days wallowing in self-pity.”
A person might say, “I’m tired of wallowing in despair. It’s time to pick myself up and move forward.”
Someone experiencing a difficult time might admit, “I’ve been wallowing in my own misery for far too long.”

7. Gloomy

Gloomy describes a state of mind characterized by sadness, darkness, or a lack of hope.

For instance, “She had a gloomy demeanor after receiving the bad news.”
A person might describe a rainy day as “gloomy and depressing.”
Someone feeling down might say, “I can’t shake this gloomy feeling no matter what I do.”

8. Dejected

Dejected describes a state of deep sadness or disappointment, often resulting from a negative experience or outcome.

For example, “He walked away from the competition, dejected and defeated.”
A person might say, “I felt dejected after not receiving the promotion I had worked so hard for.”
Someone experiencing a setback might admit, “I’m feeling dejected right now, but I know I’ll bounce back eventually.”

9. Despondent

Despondent refers to a state of profound sadness or despair, often accompanied by a feeling of powerlessness or lack of motivation.

For instance, “She became despondent after the loss of her loved one.”
A person might say, “I feel completely despondent about the current state of the world.”
Someone struggling with a difficult situation might admit, “I’m feeling despondent and don’t know how to move forward.”

10. Melancholy

Melancholy is a state of profound sadness or sorrow that can be experienced for an extended period of time.

For example, “The old photograph filled her with a sense of melancholy.”
A person might describe a rainy day as “melancholy and somber.”
Someone feeling down might say, “I’ve been in a melancholy mood lately and can’t seem to shake it.”

11. Wretched

This word is used to describe a person or situation that is extremely unhappy or miserable. It can also be used to express strong disapproval or disgust.

For example, “He lived a wretched life, always struggling to make ends meet.”
In a review of a movie, one might say, “The acting was wretched, and the plot was predictable.”
A person might exclaim, “What a wretched day! Everything seems to be going wrong.”

12. Bleak

This word is used to describe a situation that is lacking in hope or optimism. It can also refer to something that is cold, harsh, and desolate.

For instance, “The future looks bleak for the struggling company.”
In a discussion about the weather, someone might say, “It’s a bleak and dreary day outside.”
A person might express their feelings by saying, “I’m feeling really bleak about my chances of finding a job.”

13. Desolate

This word is used to describe a place that is empty, barren, or abandoned. It can also refer to a person who feels lonely, isolated, or without hope.

For example, “The desolate landscape stretched as far as the eye could see.”
In a description of a post-apocalyptic world, one might say, “The city was desolate, with no signs of life.”
A person might express their emotions by saying, “I feel desolate after the loss of my loved one.”

14. Morose

This word is used to describe a person who is gloomy, sullen, or ill-tempered. It can also refer to a situation or atmosphere that is characterized by sadness or melancholy.

For instance, “He sat in the corner, wearing a morose expression on his face.”
In a description of a rainy day, one might say, “The morose weather matched my somber mood.”
A person might describe their feelings by saying, “I’ve been feeling morose ever since the breakup.”

15. Lamenting

This word is used to describe the act of expressing grief, sorrow, or regret. It can also refer to a person who is constantly expressing their sadness or mourning.

For example, “She was lamenting the loss of her beloved pet.”
In a discussion about a tragic event, someone might say, “The entire community was lamenting the loss of lives.”
A person might express their emotions by saying, “I’ve been lamenting over my past mistakes.”

16. Feeling like there’s no way out

This slang phrase describes the overwhelming feeling of being trapped or having no solution to a problem. It is often used to express a deep sense of despair or desperation.

For example, “I lost my job, my relationship ended, and I’m feeling like there’s no way out.”
Someone might say, “I’m drowning in debt and feeling like there’s no way out.”
Another person might express, “When everything seems to be falling apart, it’s easy to feel like there’s no way out.”

17. Devastated

This word is used to describe the intense feeling of being emotionally shattered or completely overwhelmed by sadness or grief. It implies a deep sense of despair and loss.

For instance, “I was devastated when I found out my best friend had betrayed me.”
A person might say, “I’m devastated after the death of a loved one.”
Another might express, “I worked so hard on that project, and when it failed, I was devastated.”

18. Wrecked

This slang term is used to convey a state of emotional or mental exhaustion, often resulting from a difficult or traumatic experience. It implies a sense of being completely overwhelmed and unable to function.

For example, “After working three jobs and taking care of my family, I’m completely wrecked.”
Someone might say, “I got into a car accident, and it left me feeling wrecked.”
Another person might express, “The breakup was so painful that it left me feeling completely wrecked.”

19. Gutted

This slang term is used to describe a feeling of extreme disappointment or sadness. It conveys a sense of feeling emotionally emptied or hollowed out.

For instance, “I was gutted when I didn’t get the job I had been dreaming of.”
A person might say, “I’m gutted that my favorite band broke up.”
Another might express, “I put my heart and soul into that project, and when it failed, I was gutted.”

20. Broken-hearted

This phrase describes the deep emotional pain and sadness that comes from a broken romantic relationship or the loss of a loved one. It signifies a state of deep despair and heartbreak.

For example, “After my partner cheated on me, I was left broken-hearted.”
Someone might say, “Losing my pet was devastating, and I’m still broken-hearted.”
Another person might express, “I thought we had a future together, but now I’m broken-hearted.”

21. Melancholic

Melancholic is a term used to describe a state of deep sadness or gloominess. It refers to a feeling of profound sorrow or melancholy.

For example, someone might say, “I’ve been feeling quite melancholic lately, I can’t seem to shake off this sadness.”
In a poetic context, one might write, “The melancholic rain matched my somber mood.”
A person sharing their emotions might say, “I’m feeling a bit melancholic today, I just can’t find joy in anything.”

22. Hopeless

Hopeless is a word used to describe a state of feeling without hope or optimism. It signifies a sense of despair or resignation.

For instance, someone might say, “I feel so hopeless, nothing ever goes right for me.”
In a difficult situation, a person might exclaim, “This is hopeless, there’s no way we can fix it.”
A person expressing their emotions might say, “I’m feeling hopeless about my future, I don’t see any way out of this.”

23. Defeated

Defeated refers to a state of being overwhelmed by failure or loss. It signifies a sense of being overcome by adversity or defeat.

For example, someone might say, “I feel defeated after failing my exam.”
In a sports context, a player might say, “We were defeated by a better team, they outplayed us.”
A person expressing their emotions might say, “I feel defeated in my career, no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to succeed.”

24. Sinking

Sinking is a term used to describe a feeling of everything falling apart or going wrong. It signifies a sense of despair or helplessness.

For instance, someone might say, “I feel like I’m sinking, everything in my life is going wrong.”
In a relationship context, a person might say, “I can’t save this relationship, it’s sinking and there’s nothing I can do.”
A person expressing their emotions might say, “I’m sinking into despair, I don’t know how to get out of this dark place.”

25. Miserable

Miserable is a word used to describe a state of extreme unhappiness or wretchedness. It signifies a sense of deep distress or suffering.

For example, someone might say, “I’m feeling miserable today, nothing seems to bring me joy.”
In a job context, a person might say, “I’m stuck in a miserable job, it’s draining all my energy.”
A person expressing their emotions might say, “I’m miserable in this relationship, it’s making me feel trapped and unhappy.”

26. Disheartened

Feeling dispirited or lacking in hope or enthusiasm. “Disheartened” describes a state of sadness or disappointment that can result from various situations or circumstances.

For example, “After failing the exam, she felt disheartened and doubted her abilities.”
A person might say, “I was disheartened when my favorite team lost the championship.”
Another might express, “The constant rejection letters left me feeling disheartened and defeated.”

27. Sorrowful

Feeling or showing deep sadness or distress. “Sorrowful” is an adjective that describes a state of profound sorrow or grief, often caused by a significant loss or unfortunate event.

For instance, “She wore a sorrowful expression as she mourned the death of her beloved pet.”
A person might say, “I feel sorrowful for the victims of the natural disaster.”
Another might express, “The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of sorrowful longing.”

28. Woeful

Feeling or expressing deep sorrow or misery. “Woeful” is an adjective that conveys a sense of extreme sadness or distress, often in response to a difficult or unfortunate situation.

For example, “He had a woeful expression on his face after receiving the bad news.”
A person might say, “The woeful state of the economy has affected many people.”
Another might express, “I had a woeful day at work, with one problem after another.”

29. Unhappy

Feeling displeasure or unhappiness. “Unhappy” describes a state of discontent or dissatisfaction, often resulting from unmet expectations or unfavorable circumstances.

For instance, “She was unhappy with the service she received at the restaurant.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling unhappy in my current job for a while now.”
Another might express, “The constant rain made everyone unhappy during their vacation.”

30. Troubled

Feeling or showing distress or anxiety. “Troubled” is an adjective that describes a state of inner turmoil or unease, often caused by personal or external difficulties.

For example, “He had a troubled expression as he tried to solve the complex problem.”
A person might say, “I feel troubled by the current state of the world.”
Another might express, “Her troubled past has influenced her present behavior.”

31. Anguished

This word describes a deep and intense feeling of distress or suffering. It often implies a sense of physical or emotional pain.

For example, “She let out an anguished cry when she received the news.”
A person might say, “I could see the anguished look on his face after the accident.”
In a novel, the author might write, “His anguished thoughts kept him awake at night.”

32. Disconsolate

When someone is disconsolate, they are extremely sad or unhappy, often to the point of feeling hopeless or inconsolable.

For instance, “She was disconsolate after her pet died.”
A person might say, “I felt disconsolate when I didn’t get the job.”
In a poem, the writer might express, “The disconsolate rain echoed my sorrow.”

33. Mournful

This word describes a deep sadness or sorrow, often associated with loss or mourning. It conveys a sense of melancholy or a feeling of longing for something or someone that is no longer present.

For example, “She played a mournful tune on the piano.”
A person might say, “The mournful expression on his face spoke volumes.”
In a song, the lyrics might express, “In the mournful silence, I found solace.”

34. Downtrodden

This word describes a feeling of being oppressed, abused, or marginalized. It often implies a sense of powerlessness or being treated unfairly.

For instance, “The downtrodden workers protested for better wages.”
A person might say, “I could see the downtrodden look in her eyes.”
In a news article, the writer might report, “The downtrodden community demanded justice.”