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

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

After staying out to applaud the away end at full-time, he deadpanned that his situation was "a lost cause" when asked if he could turn things around with time.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2025

The whole pageant seemed like such a lost cause that it didn’t even occur to me to be concerned by the fact that I didn’t have an escort.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy