Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

quiet desperation

noun

/ˈkwaɪət ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən/

Definition

A state of unexpressed or suppressed feelings of hopelessness and anxiety.

Examples

Despite her success at work, she often felt a quiet desperation because of her unfulfilled personal life.
The characters in the novel live in quiet desperation, grappling with their failures while maintaining a façade of normalcy.
He spoke of his quiet desperation after years of attempting to achieve his dreams without any visible progress.

Meaning

Quiet desperation refers to a feeling of pervasive discontent and emotional struggle that is not openly displayed; it is a form of internal suffering where individuals feel trapped or hopeless yet do not outwardly show their distress.