noun
hopelessness
Hopelessness (noun) means a complete lack of hope; despair. Example: “A deep sense of hopelessness settled over the town after the factory closed.”
noun
1
A complete lack of hope; despair.
"Depression can induce an overwhelming sense of sadness and hopelessness."
— Dani Blum, How Can I Tell if I’m Depressed or Burned Out? (2022)
"A deep sense of hopelessness settled over the town after the factory closed."
"On the app I’d ultimately go with, I presented myself truthfully, as a Republican-curious woman tired of the Democrats’ hopelessness and constant pivoting during a highly charged election year."
— Vera Papisova, I Spent Nearly a Year on a Conservative Dating App as a Liberal—Here’s What I Learned (2025)
How to use hopelessness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe feeling of having no hope left.
Common pairings
feelings of hopelessness
a sense of hopelessness
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Word forms
- Plural
- hopelessnesses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A deep sense of _____ settled over the town after the factory closed.
Etymology
From hopeless + -ness.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for hopelessness
lawlessness
selflessness
carelessness
homelessness
restlessness
recklessness
helplessness
ruthlessness
weightlessness
See all rhymes for hopelessness →
Frequently asked questions
What does “hopelessness” mean?
The word “hopelessness” means a complete lack of hope; despair. In plain terms, the feeling of having no hope left.
How do you use “hopelessness” in a sentence?
Here is “hopelessness” used in a sentence: “A deep sense of hopelessness settled over the town after the factory closed.”
What is the opposite of “hopelessness”?
The opposite of “hopelessness” — its antonyms — are hope, hopefulness and respair.
What part of speech is “hopelessness”?
“Hopelessness” is a noun.
