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
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
But nor is it the case that democracy in our country is a lost cause.
From Salon • Sep. 23, 2025
“Yes, indeed. I think I know a lost cause when I see one.”
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
