Crossword Genius

Aspired in a way to helplessness (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

despair

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'helplessness' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both feelings as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'aspired in a way' is the wordplay.
'in a way' indicates an anagram.
'aspired' with letters rearranged gives 'DESPAIR'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for despair that I've seen before include "gloom" , "Complete loss of hope" , "The feeling that nothing will turn out well" , "Lose heart" , "Lose or lack hope" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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