Synonyms for

Hopeless

Verb / ˈhəʊplʌs / Another word for hopeless — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having no hope; feeling or causing despair

Synonyms & similar words

hopeful desperate disheartened forlorn gloomy miserable pessimistic sorrowful unhappy unoptimistic dejected despairing doomed abandoned crestfallen defeated discouraged futile melancholy unconfident unmotivated

Synonyms by register

Formal

desperate irremediable incurable dire

Informal

doomed screwed up a creek toast

Literary

forlorn wretched despairing

Antonyms

hopeful optimistic confident encouraged assured positive buoyant

Common collocations

  • hopeless cause
  • hopeless situation
  • hopeless case
  • hopeless endeavor
  • hopeless romantic
  • hopeless despair
  • hopelessness of it all

Word family

noun hopelessness
adverb hopelessly

Usage note

While 'hopeless' often implies a lack of hope, it can also describe something that is beyond repair or improvement. Be mindful of the negative connotation when using it to describe people.

Example sentences

  1. She felt hopeless after losing her favorite toy.
  2. The situation seemed hopeless, but they kept trying.
  3. He had a hopeless crush on his classmate.
  4. The patient's condition was hopeless.
  5. The athlete's injury made his chances of winning hopeless.

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