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.

Added to a pantry pasta when you realize the crisper drawer is a lost cause.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

Eileen McGovern, a member of SOAS, said returning "life-saving" emergency general surgery services to Swah is not a lost cause.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 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

Even though a lot of people have given up on them, I refuse to believe they’re a lost cause.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers