The difference between Despondent and Sad

When used as adjectives, despondent means in low spirits from loss of hope or courage, whereas sad means feeling sorrow.

check bellow for the other definitions of Despondent and Sad

Despondent as an adjective:

In low spirits from loss of hope or courage.

Sad as an adjective:

Emotionally negative. Feeling sorrow; sorrowful, mournful. Appearing sorrowful. Causing sorrow; lamentable. Poor in quality, bad; shameful, deplorable; later, regrettable, poor. Of colours: dark, deep; later, sombre, dull.

Examples:

"She gets sad when he's away."

"The puppy had a sad little face."

"It's a sad fact that most rapes go unreported."

"That's the saddest-looking pickup truck I've ever seen."
Sad as an adjective (obsolete):

Sated, having had one's fill; satisfied, weary.
Sad as an adjective (obsolete):

Steadfast, valiant.
Sad as an adjective (obsolete):

Dignified, serious, grave.
Sad as an adjective (obsolete):

Naughty; troublesome; wicked.
Sad as an adjective (slang):

Unfashionable; socially inadequate or undesirable.

Examples:

"I can't believe you use drugs; you're so sad!"
Sad as an adjective (dialect):

Soggy (to refer to pastries).
Sad as an adjective (obsolete):

Heavy; weighty; ponderous; close; hard.

Examples:

"sad bread"