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.

As John Steinbeck assured Jackie Kennedy in 1964: “You talked of Scotland as a lost cause and that is not true. Scotland is an unwon cause.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

If you were considered a lost cause, how were you able to make such a surprising comeback?

From Slate • Nov. 19, 2025

But nor is it the case that democracy in our country is a lost cause.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2025

Monday’s game was a lost cause from the start.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 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