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Definitions

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.

“If you’re feeling helpless, if you’re feeling hopeless, if you’re feeling betrayed, if you’re feeling frustrated, if you’re feeling angry — I mean, I know I’ve been,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

This is not necessarily a hopeless situation, but it requires immediate action and sound legal guidance.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

After one too many summer months of hopeless applications, all I had was a job at a substitute-teaching agency, where I would be lucky to get work three days a week.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Plus, the “Sing Sing” and “Euphoria” actor has advice for hopeless romantics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

It was pretty hopeless, but it’d have to do.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver