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.

Is this a hopeless situation that we should simply accept and walk away from?

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Abi, from Evesham, Worcestershire, has had cynophobia her whole life and has "never felt more trapped and hopeless" than she does right now.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

But today I am tasked with the seemingly simpler but hopeless job of putting life back into writing.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

“Thanks for reading” was the suggested reply to someone who called me a hopeless loon and another guy who wondered why anybody would read my “dumb column.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

If Apollo was indeed following her, the case was hopeless, but she was determined to struggle to the very end.

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

hopeless

Example Sentences

Related Words