Hopeless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hopeless
[ˈhoʊpləs ]
Definitions
feeling
Feeling or causing despair about something. Unable to be saved or helped.
Synonyms
defeated, desperate, pessimistic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hopeless |
This word is appropriate when describing a situation or a feeling where there seems to be no chance of success or improvement.
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| desperate |
This word fits when someone feels they are in a very bad or difficult situation and are willing to do anything to change it.
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| pessimistic |
Appropriate for someone who always expects the worst or has a negative outlook on future events.
|
| defeated |
Use this word when someone has lost a battle, competition, or struggle, or when someone feels like they have failed.
|
Examples of usage
- She felt hopeless after losing her job.
- The situation seemed hopeless with no way out.
result
Having no prospect of success or improvement.
Synonyms
fruitless, futile, unpromising.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hopeless |
Use 'hopeless' to describe a situation or a person that seems to have no chance of improvement or success. It often carries a strong emotional tone of despair.
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| futile |
Use 'futile' to describe actions or efforts that are pointless because they have no chance of succeeding. It often conveys a sense of inevitability.
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| unpromising |
Use 'unpromising' to describe situations or things that do not show any signs of success or improvement. It usually focuses more on the initial appearance rather than the end result.
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| fruitless |
Use 'fruitless' when referring to efforts or actions that do not produce the desired results or outcomes. It's often used in a slightly formal or literary context.
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Examples of usage
- The project was a hopeless endeavor from the start.
- The team faced a hopeless situation with no chance of winning.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Hopelessness can be a key indicator of depression, as it often distorts one's view of the future.
- Research shows that people who feel hopeless are more likely to develop anxiety or other mental health issues.
- Therapy techniques often focus on helping individuals restore hope, as it's critical for emotional recovery.
Literature
- Famous literary works often explore themes of hopelessness, such as in Samuel Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot', where characters wait indefinitely.
- Poets like John Keats expressed their struggles with hopelessness in their works, emphasizing the human experience of despair and longing.
- Many characters in classic novels illustrate the journey from hopelessness to redemption, reflecting the transformative power of hope.
Pop Culture
- Songs like Radiohead's 'No Surprises' articulate feelings of hopelessness and ennui, resonating with many listeners.
- Movies often depict main characters overcoming hopelessness, like in 'The Pursuit of Happyness', emphasizing resilience.
- The term is sometimes used in gaming cultures, representing a character's defeat or a seemingly lost cause in storylines.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like Nietzsche have examined the concept of hopelessness, often suggesting that recognizing despair can lead to personal growth.
- Existential thought often grapples with the feelings of hopelessness, questioning the meaning and purpose of life in a chaotic world.
- Literature and philosophy together provide insights that experiencing hopelessness can be a part of the human condition, leading to deeper understanding.
Origin of 'hopeless'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English term 'hopian,' meaning to hope, with 'less' added to show a lack of it.
- The first known use of 'hopeless' in English dates back to the 14th century, highlighting longstanding feelings of despair.
- It signifies not just a personal feeling, but has roots in social conditions, reflecting times of struggle and hardship.
The word 'hopeless' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of 'hope' and the suffix '-less'. It has evolved over time to represent a state of despair, lack of prospect, or futility.
See also: hope, hopeful, hopefully, hopefulness, hopefuls, hopelessly, hopelessness, hoping.