forlorn

[fawr-lawrn] / fɔrˈlɔrn /

ADJECTIVE

hopeless, inconsolable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

depressed deserted desolate desperate despondent destitute helpless lonely miserable oppressed pathetic pitiful

WEAK

abandoned alone bereft blue cheerless comfortless cynical defenseless despairing destroyed disconsolate down and out dragging forgotten forsaken friendless fruitless futile godforsaken homeless in the dumps lonesome lost pessimistic pitiable solitary tragic unhappy vain weighed down woebegone wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful elated happy hopeful populated prosperous rich satisfied secure wealthy worthwhile

WEAK

comforted consolable joyful pleased

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Only a certified Grinch would want to see Auggie left as anxious and forlorn at the end of the show as he is at his lowest moments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

Auger-Aliassime reeled off five successive games against an increasingly forlorn Bublik, taking his first match point with a thumping cross-court forehand.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

Eight months ago, England were forlorn and distraught on the vast, imposing outfield of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

Eyes forlorn, the 72-year-old cut the figure of someone who had seen years of suffering and hardship.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025

Today there is just one, the Mount Washington, still imposing and festive with its perky red roof but inescapably forlorn in its solitary grandeur.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Vocabulary lists containing forlorn

Holes

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 7

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!