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Definition of forlorn

forlorn

/fərˈlɔːrn/
for · lorn
Adverb:forlornly
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forlorn Lexical Profile

forlorn Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.

Example

"The lost puppy looked utterly forlorn sitting in the pouring rain."

2

Appearing bleak, empty, and neglected (of a place or building).

Example

"We drove past the forlorn ruins of the old textile mill at the edge of town."

3

Unlikely to succeed or be fulfilled; hopeless (of an aim, endeavor, or hope).

Example

"The rescue team made one last, forlorn attempt to reach the climbers before nightfall."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for forlorn

• Nearby Words

forklift
forklike
forktail
forlorn
forlornly
form
formability

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English past participle 'forloren', from the verb 'forleosan' meaning 'to lose completely' or 'to abandon', combining the intensive prefix 'for-' with 'leosan' (to lose).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Forlorn. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/forlorn
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