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

The Germany international has been a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season, and The Athletic reported earlier on Saturday Villa were hopeful of completing a deal for him. — Aston Villa, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Madonna’s presence at the show, even in her absence, has never been entirely about the awards, but this batch of 11 nominations feels like a hopeful indicator that the true spirit of the VMAs is still somewhere in there. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

Other hopefuls need these points to make the Tour Championship cut next weekend. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Barajas, the spokesman for Hilton’s campaign, said the Republican hopeful has agreed to each and every invitation. — Los Angeles Times, 20 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