Hopeless

/ˈhoʊpləs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Feeling or causing despair; without hope.

After failing the exam multiple times, she felt hopeless about ever passing.

Incapable of being changed or improved.

The situation in the flooded town seemed hopeless, with no immediate help in sight.

Describing something that has no chance of success.

Trying to convince him to change his mind felt like a hopeless endeavor.

From hope + -less, meaning 'without hope'.

hopeless romantic

A person who is overly idealistic about love, often to the point of unrealistic expectations.

hopeless case

A person or situation that is beyond help or improvement.

hopeless situation

A circumstance that appears unresolvable.

despair

The complete loss or absence of hope.

despondent

In low spirits from loss of hope or courage.

pessimistic

Having a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.

Throwing in the towel

After several failed attempts, she decided to throw in the towel and accept the situation as hopeless.

Dead in the water

The project was dead in the water, with no hope of saving it.