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.

“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 understand,” Springsteen said.

From Salon • May 29, 2026

"Whether she is dead or alive, we do not know. I'm hopeless," she added.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

“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

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

From Slate • May 5, 2026

Was she going to have someone search the whole country for a member of the Warne family stupid enough to take a hopeless, helpless girl?

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

hopeless

Example Sentences

Related Words