Definitions

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

Nothing but dirt and dry, brown chaparral rolled beneath skis and snowboards dangling from a chairlift at Big Bear Mountain Resort on Friday, as forlorn adventure seekers joked they should rename the place “Big Bare.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 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

Next he turned his withering gaze upon the forlorn foreman.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen

Vocabulary lists containing forlorn

Holes

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 7

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