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.

See Examples For:

hopeless

The Roman situation was dire, and the Romans knew it, but it was not entirely hopeless.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

But things aren’t hopeless, and we’re not powerless.

From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2026

And that’s why soccer teaches we must continue no matter how bad our team performed, no matter how terrible things get or how hopeless life seems.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

The result, researchers found, was a “precipitous” rise in mental distress — including feeling worthless, hopeless, restless or nervous — concentrated among remote workers living alone.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 27, 2026

“I just saw an advertisement posted in a shop window about a new home for hopeless children—the Protestant Orphan Asylum, I believe it’s called. But I’ve had no time to pay a visit.”

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

hopeless

Example Sentences

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