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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 Marcus Hopkins has been trying to have his criminal record expunged for years, a process which left him hopeless. Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025 In a time when the suffering and seemingly hopeless prospects of America’s poor are known to all who have eyes to see, the only fig leaf available to hide the obscenity of this bill is the old partisan charge of waste, fraud and abuse. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025 Valentine, Texas, stamps 10,000+ love letters each year For more than three decades, the small-town Valentine Post Office — also known as the Love Station — has processed thousands of love letters from hopeless romantics around the world. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Homebody at heart but hopeless romantic in the streets, Cancer, your jewelry vibe this summer is nostalgic, delicate, and heart-centered. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hopeless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeless
Adjective
  • All of this comes amid reports that King Charles’ cancer is reportedly incurable, but manageable, according to writer and associate editor of the Daily Telegraph, Camilla Tominey.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 13 July 2025
  • Doctors testified the disorder was incurable and said White was in a psychotic state at the time of the attack.
    Maryam Ahmed, Austin American Statesman, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Rufus Sewell, with his piercing eyes and severe features, will costar in Pride and Prejudice as the dry, cynical Mr. Bennet, Lizzy's father.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The fact that there is a developing crisis does not emanate from Israeli decisions, but from a cynical game played by Hamas and the United Nations.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Then, the shirt with long sleeves and the four-fingered corn hands; and finally, the top ear-of-corn itself, bulbous and high and impossible get into without assistance (at least for me!).
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Moore had a fluidity and grace and could move in a way that seemed impossible.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This show hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025
  • This show hasn't been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 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
  • The sad reality is that Lucky really hasn't had all that much luck in his life to date.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • These people have gone through hell, and so checking in sometimes is just equally as sad and devastating.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, voters are pessimistic about the country's trajectory.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • Younger Americans tend to have lower confidence in Social Security, with Americans in their 30s being the most pessimistic, the survey found.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Galino is unhappy with how Jimenez is running his territory, and thinks Tommy can help the cartel get into the oil business.
    EW.com, EW.com, 27 July 2025
  • Things will become much clearer once Jenkins — who is unhappy with his current contract is currently sidelined with a back injury — begins practicing.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hopeless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeless. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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