hopeful

1 of 2

adjective

hope·​ful ˈhōp-fəl 

1

: having qualities which inspire hope

hopeful signs of economic recovery

2

: full of hope : inclined to hope

hopefulness noun

hopeful

2 of 2

noun

: aspirant

Olympic hopefuls

Synonyms of hopeful

Adjective

• promising
• optimistic
• bright

Noun

• candidate
• contender
• expectant

Examples of hopeful in a Sentence

Adjective

The mood is sad rather than hopeful.

He was hopeful that things would get better soon.

I still feel hopeful about the future.

She is hopeful of winning the race.

a hopeful tone of voice

There are hopeful signs that the crisis may end soon.

The movie has a hopeful ending.

Investigators report that there have been some hopeful developments in the case.

Noun

the three mayoral hopefuls are going to debate on local TV

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Former Heat guard Victor Oladipo, who has been working out in Miami in a group that includes Heat guard Davion Mitchell, remains hopeful of a door opening for an NBA return. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

This is excellent for pitching, learning, publishing, or saying the hopeful thing out loud. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Noun

In addition to the honorees, the event always features an A-list guest list with many awards season hopefuls. — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

The potential 2028 presidential hopeful’s endorsement of Keisha Lance Bottoms on Wednesday is his latest move expanding his footprint in a battleground state ahead of the next White House race. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1720, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hopeful

1 of 2 adjective

hope·​ful ˈhōp-fəl 

1

: having qualities which inspire hope

2

: full of or inclined to hope

hopefulness noun

hopeful

2 of 2 noun

: a person who has hopes or is considered promising