Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for hopeless. Search instead for hopeles.
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.

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Papa was hopeless with larger-scale construction projects and big repairs, so Uncle Arthur usually did those things for him.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser