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

John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell and Steve Buscemi star in writer-director Martin McDonagh’s awards hopeful about two CIA operatives who travel from Santiago, Chile, to Easter Island in 1973. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026

Keeho lands somewhere hopeful, with his mindset shaping the attitude the group carries into BLOW UP, in part thanks to seeing Charli xcx’s Music, Fashion, Film Tour at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum that week. — Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026

Noun

Roughly 40 board hopefuls are competing across 20 district races, and three more are vying for board president. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Film Festival kicks off its 67th edition this week with an eclectic lineup of festival favorites, Oscar hopefuls and homegrown films that showcase the range and dynamism of the Greek industry. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 4 Nov. 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