as in desperation
utter loss of hope
the fans' hopelessness was dispelled as their team mounted a comeback
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Recent Examples of hopelessness
There were scandals and heartbreak and dysfunction and, worst of all, a hopelessness.
—
Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026
That essay, written in 1940 — the same year Native Son was published — is suffused with profound hopelessness for what was indeed to come.
—Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
Like Makki, many grapple with guilt and hopelessness.
—CBS News, 4 June 2026
But despite the colorful surroundings, there’s a pervasive hopelessness in this off-kilter world that looks a lot like our own.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
Advertisement For decades, the dominant story about Watts was one of pathology and hopelessness.
—Terry McDonell, Time, 21 Apr. 2026
The other featured a comeback that saw hopelessness turn into jubilation.
—Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
For her and many other Iranians who spoke to CNN – their surnames withheld to protect their identities – the past three weeks have been filled with a sense of hopelessness and fear.
—Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
Depression and hopelessness are at their highest ever measured.
—Ariel David, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2026
Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026
That essay, written in 1940 — the same year Native Son was published — is suffused with profound hopelessness for what was indeed to come.
—Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
Like Makki, many grapple with guilt and hopelessness.
—CBS News, 4 June 2026
But despite the colorful surroundings, there’s a pervasive hopelessness in this off-kilter world that looks a lot like our own.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
Advertisement For decades, the dominant story about Watts was one of pathology and hopelessness.
—Terry McDonell, Time, 21 Apr. 2026
The other featured a comeback that saw hopelessness turn into jubilation.
—Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
For her and many other Iranians who spoke to CNN – their surnames withheld to protect their identities – the past three weeks have been filled with a sense of hopelessness and fear.
—Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
Depression and hopelessness are at their highest ever measured.
—Ariel David, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopelessness
Noun
-
Electing Talarico would be like connecting on one of those last-second, desperation, alley-oop passes in the end zone.—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
-
This match finally picked up in the second half, reflecting the desperation each side had after losing their opening matches.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Paula turns on a dime, expertly masks her horror, stress, and despair, and puts on a smile for her little girl.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
17 June 2026
-
What happened last night was a double dip of despair.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Fear, joy, surprise, sadness, excitement.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
-
Exceeding expectations As a trip set mainly in concentration camps, sadness is often the top expectation.—
Jessica Tzikas,
Sun Sentinel,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hopelessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopelessness. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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