Main Entry: for·lorn

Pronunciation: \fər-ˈlȯrn, fȯr-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English forloren, from Old English, past participle of forlēosan to lose, from for- + lēosan to lose — more at lose

Date: before 12th century

1 a : bereft, forsaken <left quite forlorn of hope> b : sad and lonely because of isolation or desertion : desolate <a forlorn landscape>
2 : being in poor condition : miserable, wretched <forlorn tumbledown buildings>
3 : nearly hopeless <a forlorn attempt>

synonyms see alone

— for·lorn·ly adverb

— for·lorn·ness \-ˈlȯrn-nəs\ noun