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 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 This type of agreement is not unheard of, according to Billboard, mirroring the no-win-no-fee model employed by some legal firms. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 Dec. 2025 The reality is that caregiving will frequently put you in no-win situations where no easy answer exists. — Kat McGowan, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025 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
  • The technique has revolutionized neuroscience by opening up the brain's activity to scientists in ways previously impossible.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2026
  • These Chargers have 13 games left, and identifying potential wins on the remaining schedule is a nearly impossible task.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of impossible
Adjective
  • For example, compared to young men, young women who completed the survey were about twice as likely to have felt persistently sad and hopeless, had poor mental health, seriously considered suicide or attempted suicide.
    — Crystal Cederna, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Cregger uses first-person-shooter point-of-view shots, with the long barrel of a rifle or automatic weapon lining up our sights; one running gag sees Bryan, completely hopeless with guns, having to shoot the locks off of gates.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of hopeless
Adjective
  • Storming a podium at a meeting of academics is a pointless performative act.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The behaviors run the full range, from tiny tweaks like stashing the phone across the room, killing pointless notifications and blocking off screen-free stretches, all the way to full-day commitments to unplug.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of pointless
Adjective
  • The lost fumble came first, when an untouched Maye lost grip of the ball while reaching back to pass late in the first quarter.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Willis was 20 of 36 for 210 yards with an interception and a lost fumble.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of lost
Adjective
  • But, as Egerton concludes, the gains of the 1950s and 1960s would have been unattainable without the groundwork laid by this earlier generation of activists.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • If that feels unattainable, though, Baldino’s other spots are equally excellent and open to anyone.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of unattainable
Adjective
  • Matter is never worthless, but assigning it a price does not necessarily make its environmental and social costs disappear.
    — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Fraud tools aren’t worthless, but too many merchants discover their limitations the hard way.
    — Wayne Hamilton, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 2026.

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