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Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hopeless Needless to say, that sounds like a good fit for the rather hopeless Battlestar Galactica universe. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2025 The case highlights both the dangers of industrial accidents and the advances in trauma surgery that can offer patients a chance at survival in seemingly hopeless circumstances. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2025 This book is the perfect read for hopeless romantics and for those who believe that love and healing have the power to transcend lifetimes. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 2025 Amid the callous acts and hopeless rage of these kids—who are resourceful enough to orchestrate a high-speed heist but too disaffected for much else—a supernatural eeriness surfaces through word of mysterious lights in the sky and missing citizens. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hopeless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeless
Adjective
  • However, the statute doesn’t address incurable violations, such as, for example, unsafe driving, raucous disturbances, or misuse of common facilities.
    Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025
  • That incurable illnesses exist.
    Polly Atkin August 26, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Nicole Kidman adds just the right amount of menace as a villainous taxidermist, but the heart of the movie lies in its celebration of kindness, decency and family—values that feel refreshingly radical in our cynical times.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • And there is often an expectation of escapism in romance that precludes dealing realistically with money — or, for big media blockbusters, a cynical assumption that audiences won't enjoy a romcom which also takes the logistics of life seriously.
    Chelsea Fagan, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Apple has leaned more into natural photographic output, but the extra creative power and the ability to capture impossible shots that the Pixel 10 Pro offers a more attractive story to users.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • For millions of elderly or disabled people, these were daunting or impossible options.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For millions of Americans, watching the weather forecast these days feels like an endless loop of desperate doomscrolling.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The Mets are in desperate need of an outfielder, and Bellinger would fill that hole in a huge way.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • People are despairing over the Supreme Court and its deference to the president.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • Alcaraz swung slice serves past a despairing Lehečka’s forehand, while the Czech’s deliveries leapt up off the grass, contorting Alcaraz into uncomfortable return positions.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • But now, the King and the royal family have received very sad news that will change things going forward.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Shooting scenes in wide or medium shots that sometimes break into Hsiao-Lee’s harrowing point-of-view, cinematographer Yu Jing-Pin depicts a world without much color or hope, while sets by Huang Mei-Ching and Tu Shuo-Feng emphasize a sad and impoverished existence.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Initial assumptions reacting to the April surge in volatility in the financial markets were broadly pessimistic.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But the national prognostications for Miami seem especially pessimistic after last season’s 8-9 record followed four consecutive winning seasons.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Both Ways on Netflix The Lovebirds In the 2020 adventure comedy The Lovebirds, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani play an unhappy couple on the brink of splitting up.
    James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
  • But surveys have also shown many reservists are unhappy with the cabinet's plans, some openly accusing the government of lacking a cohesive strategy, a post-war plan for Gaza or a clear benchmark for victory.
    Emily Rose, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hopeless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeless. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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