Find Synonyms
forlorn Synonyms
Another word for forlorn
Choosing another word for forlorn depends on context, so the 23 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• adjective (Context 1)
Pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.
Usage Example
"The lost puppy looked utterly desolate sitting in the pouring rain."
Strongest
desolate
dejected
Strong
crestfallen
miserable
woebegone
wretched
downcast
disconsolate
melancholy
glum
• adjective (Context 2)
Appearing bleak, empty, and neglected (of a place or building).
Usage Example
"We drove past the forsaken ruins of the old textile mill at the edge of town."
Strongest
forsaken
abandoned
Strong
deserted
desolate
bleak
neglected
godforsaken
dreary
• adjective (Context 3)
Unlikely to succeed or be fulfilled; hopeless (of an aim, endeavor, or hope).
Usage Example
"The rescue team made one last, hopeless attempt to reach the climbers before nightfall."
Strongest
hopeless
Strong
futile
vain
fruitless
pointless
useless
Opposites of forlorn
The opposite of forlorn shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
cheerful
promising
joyful
happy
bustling
hopeful
lively
elated
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Forlorn. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/forlorn