lost cause

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.

The upset victories thrilled Southern California’s Latino political class, who long saw Whittier as a Republican-run lost cause.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

As John Steinbeck assured Jackie Kennedy in 1964: “You talked of Scotland as a lost cause and that is not true. Scotland is an unwon cause.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

If you were considered a lost cause, how were you able to make such a surprising comeback?

From Slate • Nov. 19, 2025

The season is far from a lost cause.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

Mr. Neely is a new teacher, so he’s still all optimistic and stuff, but personally I think this assignment’s a lost cause.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller