lost cause

noun

1. a cause that has been defeated or whose defeat is inevitable.

lost cause

noun

1. a cause with no chance of success

Word History and Origins

Origin of lost cause¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Idioms and Phrases

A hopeless undertaking, as in Trying to get him to quit smoking is a lost cause. In the 1860s this expression was widely used to describe the Confederacy. [Mid-1800s] Also see losing battle.

Example Sentences

Red Bull's Verstappen has turned a seemingly lost cause into a thrilling late, if unexpected, charge for a fifth title.

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After staying out to applaud the away end at full-time, he deadpanned that his situation was "a lost cause" when asked if he could turn things around with time.

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But nor is it the case that democracy in our country is a lost cause.

Read more on Salon

This year, however, has become a lost cause.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Monday’s game was a lost cause from the start.

Read more on Los Angeles Times