hopeless

[hohp-lis] / ˈhoʊp lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

futile, pessimistic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desperate forlorn helpless impossible pointless sad tragic useless

WEAK

bad beyond recall cynical dejected demoralized despairing despondent disconsolate discouraging downhearted fatal gone goner ill-fated impracticable in despair incurable irredeemable irreparable irreversible irrevocable lost menacing no-win past hope shot down sinister sunk threatening unachievable unavailing unfortunate unmitigable up the creek vain woebegone worsening

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful good happy hopeful joyful

WEAK

auspicious bright encouraging expectant optimistic promising propitious rosy

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.

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hopeless

“The longer you wait, the more hopeless it gets,” said Jensen.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 11, 2026

An Afghan woman working for an international humanitarian group told AFP this week that "when you see the cuts every year in aid, you start to feel hopeless".

From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026

“Olivia’s involvement is such a gift, because she is reaching and educating young people who may feel checked out or hopeless on these issues,” Northup said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

After a Persian subterfuge stripped the Greeks of their leadership, it seemed to many of the Ten Thousand that the situation was hopeless.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

It was hopeless and yet he knew it was better to make the attempt and die than leave him.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

hopeless

Example Sentences

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