1
as in incurable
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cynical
emphasizing or expecting the worst
the poor woman was feeling hopeless about ever finding her lost cat
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3
as in impossible
incapable of being solved or accomplished
keeping this desk organized is hopeless
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4
as in desperate
feeling or showing no hope
the hopeless look on the faces of the fans as the other team scored again
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as in desperation
utter loss of hope
the fans' hopelessness was dispelled as their team mounted a comeback
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hopeless
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
The news especially saddens Charlie Brown, who feels hopeless about losing a place that has meant so much to him and his friends.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
Despite lying in 17th, and being fortunate that the bottom three clubs have been completely hopeless, Tottenham have a positive goal difference of +4.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Those nurses never stopped fighting for Mattie, even as her situation seemed hopeless.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeless
Adjective
Even when things seem hopeless, there is always hope. . .
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
The news especially saddens Charlie Brown, who feels hopeless about losing a place that has meant so much to him and his friends.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
Despite lying in 17th, and being fortunate that the bottom three clubs have been completely hopeless, Tottenham have a positive goal difference of +4.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Those nurses never stopped fighting for Mattie, even as her situation seemed hopeless.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeless
Adjective
-
In 1952, she was diagnosed with an illness doctors said was incurable.—
Sonari Glinton,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
Two years ago, Emma Dimery was told her stage 4 colon cancer was incurable.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
The British showrunner of that blisteringly cynical drama spent five years and 39 episodes giving us a portrait of filthy rich people pulling strings and behaving badly.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
-
But the message at the heart of Isle of Dogs, that saving others is the only way to save one’s self, is enough to turn the most cynical viewer into a believer—and maybe even a dog lover.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
While on international duty for Spain, FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal said that doing a Luis Figo-esque switch across the divide of El Clasico to Real Madrid is ‘impossible’.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Stay Real’ to heart and were inspired to chase their seemingly impossible dreams.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Ultimately, Ellie's desperate quest to avenge Joel led to another shocking death and no clear resolution heading into season 3.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
26 May 2025
-
The Western Conference Finals move to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Saturday night, where the desperate Timberwolves are slight home underdogs vs. the Thunder.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Though the film doesn’t have an outwardly strong political message, it’s set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, adding an extra layer of desperation to O’Connor’s character.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
23 May 2025
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And to think, that breakout had come entirely out of desperation for pitching depth.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
The film necessarily presents a despairing view of America as its 20th-century glory days recede into the distance, but Schrader isn’t one to shirk away from some form of hope for his isolated priest.—
Vikram Murthi,
Vulture,
21 Jan. 2025
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These lines represent Elisabeth at her most despairing.—
Elizabeth Djinis,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
My back hurt from that sad excuse for a chair (seriously, who designs dining chairs to feel like medieval torture devices?).—
Renae Gregoire,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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Stewart is still thanked by gay fans by creating such a rare, highly visible (albeit sad) representation.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
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Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.—
Daniel A.C. McBride,
Baltimore Sun,
1 June 2025
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But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hopeless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeless. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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