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Definitions

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.

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

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

They were comfortable confiding in one another to the point of calling the war “already a lost cause for Germany,” as Kiep put it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 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

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