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 now, the region appears cautiously hopeful that the tone has changed, and that Washington’s promises of partnership will be matched by consistency in policy. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025

As the investigation continues, Melodee's extended family remains hopeful for her return. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

Noun

The platform will bring fans even closer to the action of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls competing to represent Team USA at Milano Cortina 2026. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

Some hopefuls delivered the lines as zingers, with a comedic precision. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 27 Oct. 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