Forlorn

/fɔːrˈlɔrn/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.
The forlorn puppy sat by the side of the road, waiting for someone to adopt him.
Unlikely to succeed or unlikely to be fulfilled.
His forlorn hopes of a reconciliation faded over time.
Having an expression of sorrow or despair.
She cast a forlorn glance out the window as the rain began to pour.
Desolate or dreary; bleak.
The forlorn landscape stretched for miles, without a single sign of life.

Etymology

Middle English, from the past participle of forleoren, meaning 'to lose' or 'to despair.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

forlorn hope:
a hope that is unlikely to succeed
forlorn figure:
a person who appears sad and lonely
forlorn look:
a sad or despondent expression

Related Words

Slang Meanings

feeling down or sad
I’ve been so forlorn since the breakup.
looking pitiful
That forlorn puppy at the shelter breaks my heart.