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.

“Myself and colleagues who were working on projects to improve technology in this country are now hopeless and completely unemployed.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

"It's about a moment in your life when you think everything is over and you feel hopeless," explains singer Viktoria Leléka.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

First he moved the hopeless cases — frames dented, forks bent, gears rusted — into one room and their cousins the wheelchairs into another, leaving about 90 that could be saved.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

This is not necessarily a hopeless situation, but it requires immediate action and sound legal guidance.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

“He was in a rage,” she said; her voice was exhausted, hopeless.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

hopeless

Example Sentences

Related Words