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

Many buyers are hopeful that mortgage rates will fall this year, which could potentially happen if the Iran conflict ends, inflation cools and other economic factors improve. —Tim Maxwell, CBS News, 9 June 2026

Venus conjunct Jupiter in Cancer brings expansion to your ninth house of travel, publishing, education and personal philosophy, making today feel hopeful, inspired and emotionally expansive. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

Noun

These first-time homebuyer down payment assistance programs are a lifeline for Sacramento hopefuls. —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026

Born on July 27, 1954, in Israel, Janklowicz was a one-time Olympic hopeful in the decathlon, and dedicated his early years to track and field before serving as a fitness instructor in the Israel Defense Forces. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 June 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