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.

But the police often write off these neighborhoods as enemy territory or lost causes.

From New York Times

He declined to name the companies, but said they mostly acknowledged that it was a lost cause.

From New York Times

During a period of emotional and professional distress, Thomas had prayed to St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, for help.

From Seattle Times

But some administration officials see China as a lost cause and prefer to treat China and Russia as committed partners, hoping that might galvanize policies among Asian and European allies to contain them both.

From Seattle Times

Yet even after moving to England with her husband and children to escape the stigma of association, she embarks on her own lost cause to redeem the family name.

From Washington Post