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.

“Myself and colleagues who were working on projects to improve technology in this country are now hopeless and completely unemployed.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 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

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

"We felt hopeless," says Holm-Aderemi, describing how they took turns carrying out searches of the streets themselves.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

“No hopeless case is truly without hope,” she reminded herself, then soothed her nerves by repeating under her breath, “The capital of Russia is Saint Petersburg!” over and over again.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

hopeless

Example Sentences

Related Words