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.

A report from the charity found that 40% of parents receiving its support felt anxious about providing for their children, while one in four reported feeling very low, hopeless or struggling with their mental health.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Linda Goodman’s hopeless search is just one example of such an effect.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

“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

Her hair hung like a clump of discolored marsh weeds, bound with vines and ornamented with bejeweled pins that seemed about to lose themselves in the hopeless tangle.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

hopeless

Example Sentences

Related Words