lost cause

NOUN

wild-goose chase

Synonyms

WEAK

bootless errand fool's errand merry chase red herring snipe hunt vain attempt waste of time wasted effort wasted labor

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.

His long-term health isn’t worth risking to save a completely lost cause.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

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

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

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

From Slate • Nov. 19, 2025

He tried, moving trash cans and nudging back, then reluctantly concluding it was a lost cause.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

“All I mean is—” “You’re sayin’ it’s a lost cause, right?

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen