French word

désespérant

Pronunciation

IPA/dezɛspeʁɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectivediscouraging

Example

Sa réaction est vraiment désespérante.

Her reaction is really discouraging.

Illustration for désespérant (discouraging)

More examples

La situation devient de plus en plus désespérante.

The situation is becoming increasingly discouraging.

Core concept

A situation that snuffs out hope and drains the will to continue.

Common phrases

  • réaction désespérante

    discouraging reaction

  • situation désespérante

    discouraging situation

  • attitude désespérante

    discouraging attitude

Similar words

décourageant: Making people lose motivation and feel less willing to continue.
décevant: Causing disappointment when hopes or expectations are not fulfilled.
désolant: Sad and regrettable to see or hear.
navrant: Deeply distressing, causing pain, sorrow, or a sense of pity.

Definition in French

Qui fait perdre l'espoir ou décourage profondément.

Word origin

Désespérant is the present participle of désespérer, formed with dés- and espérer, which ultimately comes from Latin sperare, 'to hope'.

Usage tips

  • Désespérant describes what causes discouragement, whereas désespéré describes a person or state that has lost hope.

Other meanings

  • depressingadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word