no-win

adjective

Definition of no-winnext
as in impossible

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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 no-win In a sense, Bowman was in a no-win situation — tight to the salary ceiling and without a ton of future capital to work with, with a team that had plenty of needs and a clock ticking loudly. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026 Avoid a short, no-win situation in mid-May, then buckle up for popularity, heightened ambitions, new clarity and cosmic protection over all. — Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026 Or has that become a no-win move? — Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026 This is a no-win situation because one of us will end up unhappy. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-win
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-win
  1. impossible
  2. hopeless
  3. pointless
  4. lost
  5. unattainable
  6. worthless
Adjective
  • Reaves hit a seemingly impossible baseline fadeaway in the first quarter, flinging the ball almost over the backboard.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Requests for food increased 80% Several families the Courant spoke to in the state said that the myriad of rising costs are impossible to absorb and stress levels are also climbing, as some take on second jobs to make ends meet.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of impossible
Adjective
  • But Texans also have something to teach the country about digging in and fighting for a seemingly hopeless cause; conservatives aren’t the only ones who remember the Alamo.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Owens not only lacked an undergraduate degree but did poorly in school, where she was described as a hopeless case.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of hopeless
Adjective
  • Ignore the voices who say your vote is pointless, or that your local races have already been decided.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Here are a few examples of why looking for meaning in playoff baseball is pointless.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of pointless
Adjective
  • General assertions of lost profits, out-of-pocket expenses and reputational harm did not satisfy the requirement to plead special damages, Gayles wrote.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Poor Savu, who started the puzzle first, looked more lost than Devin searching for Jenna’s wedding shot list.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of lost
Adjective
  • Scouring Europe’s strikers using the most rudimentary of metrics — goals scored — throws up a familiar set of utterly unattainable targets.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In Spain and Portugal, tent camps have sprung up in protests against unattainable rents and housing costs.
    — Teresa Medrano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of unattainable
Adjective
  • Winning contracts settle at $1, while losing contracts become worthless.
    — Melissa Lee,Paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026
  • To make the present feel worthless and unwanted before its time is up.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of worthless

Browse Nearby Words

nowheresville
no-win
nowise
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Cite this Entry

“No-win.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-win. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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