hopeless

[hohp-lis] / ˈhoʊp lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

futile, pessimistic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desperate forlorn helpless impossible pointless sad tragic useless

WEAK

bad beyond recall cynical dejected demoralized despairing despondent disconsolate discouraging downhearted fatal gone goner ill-fated impracticable in despair incurable irredeemable irreparable irreversible irrevocable lost menacing no-win past hope shot down sinister sunk threatening unachievable unavailing unfortunate unmitigable up the creek vain woebegone worsening

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful good happy hopeful joyful

WEAK

auspicious bright encouraging expectant optimistic promising propitious rosy

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.

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hopeless

Add in the public’s aversion to barring businesses from doing anything, along with the fond feelings many Americans have for the words “private” and “equity,” and it’s easy to feel hopeless.

From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2026

They express confidence in public while perhaps fearing in private that a worst-case scenario could make it hopeless to try to save everyone.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026

After a Persian subterfuge stripped the Greeks of their leadership, it seemed to many of the Ten Thousand that the situation was hopeless.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

And one from financial company Schroders says even most workers who are participating in company retirement plans think the math is almost hopeless.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

It was pretty hopeless, but it’d have to do.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

hopeless

Example Sentences

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