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.

They were comfortable confiding in one another to the point of calling the war “already a lost cause for Germany,” as Kiep put it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

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

From Slate • Nov. 19, 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

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