Dejected vs. Despondent — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
Dejected emphasizes a state of being disheartened or low in spirits, while despondent conveys a deeper sense of hopelessness and extreme discouragement.
Difference Between Dejected and Despondent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dejected describes feelings of being downcast or disheartened, typically as a reaction to a specific event or disappointment. Despondent, on the other hand, implies a more intense and profound sense of despair, where an individual sees little to no hope for the future.
While both terms describe a negative emotional state, the intensity and perceived duration differ. Dejection might be seen as a cloud passing through one's emotional sky—dark and dampening but ultimately temporary. Despondency, however, is more like a storm that settles in, suggesting a longer duration and a more challenging recovery process.
The causes of feeling dejected are often clear and identifiable, such as failing an exam, experiencing a breakup, or facing a professional setback. In these instances, the feeling of sadness, while acute, often has a discernible source and a path toward resolution or acceptance. The emotion is linked closely to specific disappointments or setbacks. Despondency, conversely, may not always have a clear or singular cause.
Both emotional states, though different in intensity and duration, are part of the human experience. Recognizing the difference between feeling temporarily disheartened and a deeper, more pervasive sense of despair is crucial for understanding emotional well-being and seeking appropriate support or interventions.
Comparison Chart
Intensity
Mild to moderate, but significant
Intense, profound sense of despair
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Duration
Often temporary, situational
Can be long-lasting, pervasive
Cause
Specific events or disappointments
May lack a clear cause, or result from prolonged distress
Emotional Response
Sadness, loss of spirit
Deep despair, loss of hope
Recovery
Possible through change or support
May require significant intervention
Compare with Definitions
Dejected
Feeling sad and dispirited, often due to a particular event.
After losing the championship game, the team felt dejected and silent on the bus ride home.
Despondent
Feeling or showing profound hopelessness, dejection, discouragement, or gloom.
After months of job searching with no success, he felt despondent and close to giving up.
Dejected
Expressing discouragement or low spirits.
His dejected demeanor made it clear he didn’t get the promotion.
Despondent
Deeply pessimistic about the future or the possibility of improvement.
The long-term patient became despondent about his chances of recovery.
Dejected
Lacking in energy or enthusiasm due to disappointment.
She gave a dejected sigh when she saw the rain ruining the picnic plans.
Despondent
Indicative of a sense of being overwhelmed by gloom or despair.
The despondent tone of the music perfectly captured the movie's tragic ending.
Dejected
Feeling rejected or cast down.
The dejected puppy whined softly after being scolded.
Despondent
Marked by loss of hope or enthusiasm.
Her despondent response to the rejection letter was heart-wrenching.
Dejected
Exhibiting a loss of hope or confidence in one’s eyes or posture.
The dejected look in her eyes spoke volumes about her feelings of inadequacy.
Despondent
Suffering from a severe form of depression or sadness.
Despondent over the loss of her partner, she sought professional help.
Dejected
Sad and depressed; dispirited
He stood in the street looking dejected
Despondent
In low spirits from loss of hope or courage
She grew more and more despondent
Dejected
Being in low spirits; depressed.
Despondent
Feeling or expressing despondency; dejected.
Dejected
Sad and dispirited.
Despondent
In low spirits from loss of hope or courage.
Dejected
Simple past tense and past participle of deject
Despondent
Marked by despondence; given to despondence; low-spirited; as, a despondent manner; a despondent prisoner.
Dejected
Cast down; afflicted; low-spirited; sad; as, a dejected look or countenance.
Despondent
Without or almost without hope;
Despondent about his failure
Too heartsick to fight back
Dejected
Affected or marked by low spirits;
Is dejected but trying to look cheerful
Common Curiosities
Is it normal to feel dejected or despondent?
Feeling dejected or despondent is part of the spectrum of human emotions and can be a normal response to life’s challenges, though prolonged despondency might require professional support.
Can a person move from feeling dejected to despondent?
Yes, if the cause of dejection is persistent or if emotional support is lacking, it can deepen into despondency.
How can one help someone who is feeling dejected or despondent?
Listening, providing emotional support, and encouraging professional help if necessary can be beneficial.
What is the key difference between being dejected and despondent?
The key difference lies in the intensity and duration of the emotional state; dejection is less intense and more temporary, while despondency is deeper and often more enduring.
How do external factors influence feelings of dejection or despondency?
External factors like personal loss, stress, and environmental conditions can significantly influence these feelings.
Can lifestyle changes help with feelings of dejection?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating, and social support can help improve one's mood and resilience.
What are common signs of despondency?
Common signs include a profound sense of hopelessness, lack of interest in usual activities, and pervasive sadness.
Is despondency a symptom of depression?
Despondency can be a symptom of depression, especially if it's persistent and affects daily functioning.
What is the importance of recognizing these emotional states?
Recognizing and acknowledging these states is crucial for seeking help, supporting others, and promoting emotional health and well-being.
Do dejection and despondency require professional intervention?
While dejection often improves with time and support, despondency, especially if it affects one's ability to function, may require professional intervention.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
