forlorn

[fawr-lawrn] / fɔrˈlɔrn /

ADJECTIVE

hopeless, inconsolable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

depressed deserted desolate desperate despondent destitute helpless lonely miserable oppressed pathetic pitiful

WEAK

abandoned alone bereft blue cheerless comfortless cynical defenseless despairing destroyed disconsolate down and out dragging forgotten forsaken friendless fruitless futile godforsaken homeless in the dumps lonesome lost pessimistic pitiable solitary tragic unhappy vain weighed down woebegone wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful elated happy hopeful populated prosperous rich satisfied secure wealthy worthwhile

WEAK

comforted consolable joyful pleased

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.

Remember 2013, when West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie got in his car and drove 120 miles from Birmingham to London in the forlorn hope he would sign for Queens Park Rangers.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

Only a certified Grinch would want to see Auggie left as anxious and forlorn at the end of the show as he is at his lowest moments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

Auger-Aliassime reeled off five successive games against an increasingly forlorn Bublik, taking his first match point with a thumping cross-court forehand.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

Hamilton, delayed by his penalty, with which he vehemently disagreed over the radio, was a rather forlorn eighth, with Ocon and Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto completing the top 10.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2025

The sheds and buildings were empty and forlorn.

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

Vocabulary lists containing forlorn

Holes

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 7

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