Word
hopelessly
Phoneticshope·less·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhoʊpɫəsɫi/
UK/hˈəʊpləsli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
adv. used to emphasize that a situation is very bad and cannot be fixed. You use it when there is no chance of success or improvement.
adv. indicates a state of total despair or an inability to be rectified. Functions as an intensifier for negative adjectives or situations, suggesting a complete lack of hope or solution.
Examples
“The two countries are hopelessly divided on the issue.”
“By the time the rescue team arrived, the small boat was hopelessly lost in the thick fog.”
“Despite their best efforts to modernize the factory, the outdated machinery remained hopelessly inefficient compared to the competitors' new technology.”
Examples
simple
“The two countries are hopelessly divided on the issue.”
contextual
“By the time the rescue team arrived, the small boat was hopelessly lost in the thick fog.”
complex
“Despite their best efforts to modernize the factory, the outdated machinery remained hopelessly inefficient compared to the competitors' new technology.”
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective it modifies or after the verb 'to be'.
Real-World Examples
“Another believes he has been “hopelessly misguided” in his life and career.” “He’s hopelessly in love with nature and that comes across in the film.” Etymology
From hopeless + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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