Thesaurus

hopeless

Q: How does the adjective 'hopeless' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hopeless are despairing , desperate , and despondent . While all these words mean "having lost all or nearly all hope," hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation. // the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

Q: When is 'despairing' a more appropriate choice than 'hopeless'?

The meanings of despairing and hopeless largely overlap; however, despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency. // despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

Q: In what contexts can 'desperate' take the place of 'hopeless'?

While the synonyms desperate and hopeless are close in meaning, desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration. // one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

Q: When can 'despondent' be used instead of 'hopeless'?

While in some cases nearly identical to hopeless , despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort. // despondent about yet another rejection

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Synonyms & Antonyms of hopeless

1 not capable of being cured or reformed

a hopeless optimist who looked for the good in everyone and everything

was a hopeless romantic who never stopped looking for a soul mate

Synonyms for hopeless

Words Related to hopeless

Near Antonyms for hopeless

reversible

Antonyms for hopeless

2 emphasizing or expecting the worst

the poor woman was feeling hopeless about ever finding her lost cat

Synonyms for hopeless

Words Related to hopeless

grim

Near Antonyms for hopeless

Antonyms for hopeless

3 incapable of being solved or accomplished

keeping this desk organized is hopeless

Synonyms for hopeless

Words Related to hopeless

futile,
useless

Near Antonyms for hopeless

likely,
probable

Antonyms for hopeless

4 feeling or showing no hope

the hopeless look on the faces of the fans as the other team scored again

Synonyms for hopeless

Words Related to hopeless

accepting,
resigned

Near Antonyms for hopeless

Antonyms for hopeless

hopeful,
optimistic

Frequently Asked Questions About hopeless

How does the adjective hopeless differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hopeless are despairing, desperate, and despondent. While all these words mean "having lost all or nearly all hope," hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation.

the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

When is despairing a more appropriate choice than hopeless?

The meanings of despairing and hopeless largely overlap; however, despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency.

despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

In what contexts can desperate take the place of hopeless?

While the synonyms desperate and hopeless are close in meaning, desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration.

one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

When can despondent be used instead of hopeless?

While in some cases nearly identical to hopeless, despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort.

despondent about yet another rejection