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

Nepal’s Communication Minister Bikram Timilsina said officials remain hopeful that more workers will be rescued. — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

Calm and witty, impassioned and informed, clear-eyed yet hopeful, Gloria enthralled them — and the entire audience — for almost two hours. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

Brighton were most people’s picks for dark-horse hopefuls this season, particularly after reaching their first major final under former head coach Dario Vidosic in his second season in charge. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Telluride’s 53rd edition offers an unusually eclectic lineup, with tributes to Sandra Hüller, John Malkovich and Andrew Haigh and a strong mix of awards hopefuls and less obvious choices. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 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