Lose hope Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lose hope

[luz həʊp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a difficult situation

To stop believing that something positive will happen in the future. To feel despair or pessimism.

Synonyms

despair, give up, surrender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lose hope	Use this phrase when someone originally had some optimism or expectation, but now feels that achieving their goal or desire is no longer possible. After months of searching for a job without success, she began to lose hope
despair	This word is more intense and typically describes a feeling of complete hopelessness and severe sadness. It can often be used in dramatic or very serious situations. He fell into despair after the sudden death of his best friend
give up	This phrase is used when someone decides to stop trying to achieve something because it seems too difficult or impossible. It can be both neutral or slightly negative depending on the context. After several failed attempts to fix the car himself, he decided to give up and call a mechanic
surrender	This word is often used in contexts involving conflict or struggle and implies yielding or giving in to a stronger force. It can also mean giving up control or ownership. The soldiers had no choice but to surrender when they were surrounded by the enemy

Examples of usage

After failing the exam, she started to lose hope of ever graduating.
Despite the setbacks, they refused to lose hope and continued to work towards their goal.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a relationship

To no longer have confidence in someone or something. To doubt or question the future of a relationship.

Synonyms

disillusionment, distrust, skepticism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lose hope	Used when someone starts feeling that there's no chance of a positive outcome or improvement. After searching for weeks, she began to lose hope of finding her lost dog
distrust	Used when someone lacks trust or confidence in a person or situation, often due to past experiences. After being lied to repeatedly, she couldn't help but feel distrust toward her partner
skepticism	Used when someone questions the truth or validity of something, often requiring more evidence before believing. There was a lot of skepticism regarding the new health fad, with many experts doubting its benefits
disillusionment	Used when someone realizes that something is not as good as they believed, leading to disappointment. He felt a deep sense of disillusionment after discovering the corruption within the company he admired

Examples of usage

After being lied to multiple times, she began to lose hope in their relationship.
When trust is broken, it's easy to lose hope in rebuilding the bond.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

general

A feeling of despair or pessimism. A lack of confidence in the future.

Synonyms

despair, disheartenment, pessimism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lose hope	Used when someone stops believing there is a chance for a positive outcome. After the third failed attempt, he began to lose hope of ever passing the exam
despair	Typically used in more dramatic or serious situations when someone feels complete loss and sadness. She was in despair when she heard the news of the accident
pessimism	Refers to a general attitude of expecting the worst in situations. Often used to describe habitual negativity. Her constant pessimism made it hard for others to stay motivated around her
disheartenment	Appropriate when someone feels discouraged or has lost enthusiasm, but not necessarily in extreme distress. Facing repeated rejections, he struggled with disheartenment but tried to remain positive

Examples of usage

In the darkest moments, it's easy to succumb to the feeling of lose hope.
Even in the face of adversity, holding onto hope can combat the sense of lose hope.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feeling hopeless can lead to depression, as people might see no way to change their situation.
Studies show that having a sense of hope improves mental health and resilience, helping people cope better with challenges.

Literature

Many stories feature characters who lose hope but later find courage again, symbolizing the journey back to believing in possibilities.
Hope is often portrayed as a light in dark times, a theme in works from ancient texts to modern novels.

Cultural References

Songs and movies frequently explore the theme of losing hope, reflecting universal human emotions and experiences.
An iconic quote by Aristotle summarizes it well: ‘Hope is the dream of a waking man,’ indicating how hope shapes our actions.

Historical Perspectives

During tough historical moments, like wars and depressions, people often faced loss of hope, yet many movements arose to restore faith and strength.
Philosophers like Nietzsche argued that losing hope can spur individuals to create their own values and meanings.

Resilience and Recovery

Programs that focus on resilience aim to rebuild hope in individuals facing adversity, showing it’s possible to find optimism again.
Counseling often addresses hope loss, helping individuals reframe their outlook and find pathways to recovery.

Origin of 'lose hope'

The phrase 'lose hope' originates from the Middle English period, where 'lose' meant 'to be deprived of or cease to have or retain'. The concept of hope has been a fundamental aspect of human existence throughout history, with various philosophical and religious traditions emphasizing its importance. The feeling of losing hope can have profound psychological and emotional effects on individuals, leading to a sense of despair and disillusionment.