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Definition of hopelessness

hopelessness

/ˈhoʊpləsnəs/
Adverb:hopelessly
•
Adjective:hopeless
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hopelessness Lexical Profile

hopelessness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A feeling or state of despair in which a person believes there is no possibility of improvement, comfort, or success.

Example

"Years of economic hardship had left many residents with a deep sense of hopelessness."

2

The quality of a situation or problem being impossible to solve, remedy, or overcome.

Example

"The defense attorney acknowledged the hopelessness of appealing the verdict without new evidence."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

hopefulness
hopeless
hopelessly
hopelessness
hopetoun
hopetoun falls
hopi

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century from the adjective 'hopeless' and the suffix '-ness', ultimately tracing back to the Old English root 'hopa' (meaning confidence in the future).

Cite this Entry

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