The adjective despondent means someone who is unhappy and with no hope or enthusiasm because of experiencing difficulties that they think they will not be able to overcome.
Synonyms are dejected, depressed, disheartened, or morose.
The word origins from Latin (1690s) despondentem (nominative despondens), present participle of despondere meaning “to lose courage, give up”.
Failing his major exam caused him to be despondent.
Helplessly watching his family drown, he felt despondent and ready to take his life.
He is despondent thinking that his wife will not recover from her illness.