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.

“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

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

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

This is not necessarily a hopeless situation, but it requires immediate action and sound legal guidance.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

She didn’t tell Ida or Balthilda about my name, and somehow this made me feel more hopeless, as if there was no need to explain because there was nothing they could do.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

hopeless

Example Sentences

Related Words