German word

hoffnungslos

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhɔfnʊŋsˌloːs/

Meaning

  • adjectivehopeless

Example

Das ist eine hoffnungslose Situation.

That is a hopeless situation.

Illustration for hoffnungslos (hopeless)

More examples

In einer hoffnungslosen Situation sollte man realistisch bleiben.

In a hopeless situation, one should remain realistic.

Core concept

Every possible rescue line has snapped, leaving a problem with no workable way forward.

Common phrases

  • in einer hoffnungslosen Situation

    in a hopeless situation

  • als hoffnungslos gelten

    be considered hopeless

Similar words

aussichtslos: Offering no prospect of success or a solution.
verzweifelt: Driven to desperate action by intense fear, grief, or distress.
chancenlos: Having almost no chance of succeeding in a contest or situation.
mutlos: Lacking confidence, courage, or the energy to keep trying.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet Situationen oder Aussichten, denen jede Hoffnung fehlt.

Word origin

The adjective is derived from the noun Hoffnung by adding -los, a productive German suffix that expresses absence, while Hoffnung is related to hoffen.

Usage tips

  • Hoffnungslos can describe practical prospects or situations, not only a person's feelings, so a hopeless plan or situation is normal German usage.

Other meanings

  • beyond helpadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Hoffnungslosigkeithopelessnessnoun

Word lists with this word