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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.

I'm in that situation now where my cue was hopeless yesterday.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

During that stretch, Davis has waffled between hopeless and hopeful on a weekly basis.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

But today I am tasked with the seemingly simpler but hopeless job of putting life back into writing.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Even these sternly hopeless Norsemen, whose daily life in their icy land through the black winters was a perpetual challenge to heroism, saw a far-away light break through the darkness.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton