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.

First he moved the hopeless cases — frames dented, forks bent, gears rusted — into one room and their cousins the wheelchairs into another, leaving about 90 that could be saved.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 22, 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

At times they feel afraid, or lonely, or hopeless, just as the less plucky do; they simply happen to excel at keeping their spirits up in a pickle.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

hopeless

Example Sentences

Related Words