hopelessness
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of hopelessness
First recorded in 1805–10; hopeless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The toxic result is a deepening sense of hopelessness among younger people.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
Unfortunately, that may result in feelings of anger, frustration, anxiety or hopelessness.
From Salon ● Jun. 5, 2026
“I refuse to live in hopelessness and trauma,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 10, 2026
These included anhedonia, feelings of hopelessness, and a sense of failure, in both women with and without HIV.
From Science Daily ● May 4, 2026
Sleep felt miles away, and he couldn’t shake the despair and hopelessness that coursed through his body and mind—the temporary joy of Chuck’s trick on Gaily had long since faded away.
From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
