Hopeless: meaning, definitions and examples

😞

Add to dictionary

hopeless

[ˈhoʊpləs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. The outlook for the project seemed hopeless after the main investor pulled out. She felt hopeless about the chances of finding a new job soon.
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. He was so desperate for money that he considered selling his car. In a desperate attempt to save her job, she worked long hours and weekends.
pessimistic	Appropriate for someone who always expects the worst or has a negative outlook on future events. He's always pessimistic about the economy and believes a recession is just around the corner. Her pessimistic attitude made it hard for her to enjoy the party.
defeated	Use this word when someone has lost a battle, competition, or struggle, or when someone feels like they have failed. After losing the match, he walked off the field feeling utterly defeated. She looked defeated after receiving yet another rejection letter.

Examples of usage

She felt hopeless after losing her job.
The situation seemed hopeless with no way out.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. After multiple attempts, he felt hopeless about passing the exam. The team seemed hopeless as they faced a much stronger opponent.
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. Trying to change his mind was futile; he was set in his ways. All efforts to contain the spill proved futile.
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. The weather looked unpromising for their outdoor wedding. Despite an unpromising start, the project eventually succeeded.
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. Their negotiations proved fruitless, leading to no agreement. She spent hours searching for her keys, but it was a fruitless effort.

Examples of usage

The project was a hopeless endeavor from the start.
The team faced a hopeless situation with no chance of winning.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "hopeless" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desesperançado

🇮🇳 निराश

🇩🇪 hoffnungslos

🇮🇩 putus asa

🇺🇦 безнадійний

🇵🇱 beznadziejny

🇯🇵 絶望的な

🇫🇷 sans espoir

🇪🇸 desesperado

🇹🇷 umutsuz

🇰🇷 절망적인

🇸🇦 يائس

🇨🇿 beznadějný

🇸🇰 beznádejný

🇨🇳 绝望的

🇸🇮 brezupen

🇮🇸 vonlaust

🇰🇿 үмітсіз

🇬🇪 უს Hoffnung

🇦🇿 ümidsiz

🇲🇽 desesperado

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,795 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
7792 citing
7793 poll
7794 undertakings
7795 hopeless
7796 curvature
7797 exposures
7798 stricken
...