Useful alternatives to “Dejection” include “Despondency”, “Discouragement”, “Disheartenment”, along with 12 other options below. They overlap with the original term in different ways, so the best choice depends on the exact sense, tone, and grammatical context.
Which Option Best Fits “Dejection”?
Dejection means a low, discouraged, or dispirited emotional state. The quick list gives all 15 choices first; the notes below explain what each term contributes.
- Despondency
- Discouragement
- Disheartenment
- Gloom
- Melancholy
- Sorrow
- Low spirits
- Hopelessness
- Despair
- Dismay
- Misery
- Downheartedness
- Sadness
- Demoralization
- Desolation
Despondency
“Despondency” describes a deep loss of hope or confidence. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: In the “Dejection” entry, the final draft used “Despondency” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Discouragement
“Discouragement” focuses on reduced morale after setbacks or difficulty. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: For the “Dejection” comparison, the editor selected “Discouragement” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Disheartenment
“Disheartenment” means becoming dispirited or losing courage. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: In the “Dejection” guide, “Disheartenment” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Gloom
“Gloom” describes a dark, low emotional atmosphere. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: While revising the “Dejection” example, the writer chose “Gloom” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Melancholy
“Melancholy” adds a reflective or lingering sadness. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: In the “Dejection” entry, the final draft used “Melancholy” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Sorrow
“Sorrow” is the broadest term for emotional pain or sadness. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: For the “Dejection” comparison, the editor selected “Sorrow” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Low spirits
“Low spirits” is a common phrase for feeling down or dispirited. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: In the “Dejection” guide, “Low spirits” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Hopelessness
“Hopelessness” describes a belief that improvement or success is unlikely. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: While revising the “Dejection” example, the writer chose “Hopelessness” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Despair
“Despair” means profound loss of hope. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: In the “Dejection” entry, the final draft used “Despair” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Dismay
“Dismay” often follows a shock, setback, or unwelcome discovery. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: For the “Dejection” comparison, the editor selected “Dismay” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Misery
“Misery” describes intense unhappiness or distress. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: In the “Dejection” guide, “Misery” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Downheartedness
“Downheartedness” is a direct description of feeling discouraged and low. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: While revising the “Dejection” example, the writer chose “Downheartedness” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Sadness
“Sadness” is a broad everyday term for unhappiness. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: In the “Dejection” entry, the final draft used “Sadness” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Demoralization
“Demoralization” emphasizes loss of morale or confidence. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: For the “Dejection” comparison, the editor selected “Demoralization” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Desolation
“Desolation” describes bleakness, isolation, or profound emotional emptiness. It is a natural alternative to “Dejection” when that particular nuance matches the sentence.
Example: In the “Dejection” guide, “Desolation” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Choosing the Right Word for “Dejection”
These 15 alternatives overlap with “Dejection” to different degrees. Check meaning, tone, grammar, and formality before substituting one for another.