# hopelessness

/ˈhoʊpɫəsnəs/ (US) · /hˈəʊpləsnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hopelessness
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a feeling that nothing will ever change or that you cannot succeed. It is the opposite of feeling hopeful.

For teachers: a state of mind characterized by a lack of belief in the possibility of a positive outcome or change.

## Examples

- The feeling of hopelessness grew as the days passed.
- After months of failed negotiations, the team began to feel a sense of hopelessness about the project.
- The protagonist's journey is defined by a struggle against the pervasive hopelessness of his environment, eventually finding a small spark of resilience that allows him to move forward.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.