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

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

For Benge, seeing a connection to using technology and brain health as well as doing physical activity and learning new things is hopeful. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

The film is currently in the last stages of post-production, with the team hopeful to cross the final line through partnerships made in Santiago. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 29 July 2025

Noun

In the show, two chefs divide a group of struggling culinary hopefuls into opposing teams and sharpen their cooking skills through tips and tutorials so that a cook from their team can survive elimination and walk away with a sweet-as-pie cash prize of $25,000. —Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 July 2025

The only changes from last month’s announcement are that Malcolm Spellman is new to the list of board hopefuls and incumbent Dante W. Harper withdrew his candidacy for the board on Tuesday. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1568, 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