no-win

[noh-win]

adjective

Informal.

1. denoting a condition in which one cannot benefit, succeed, or win.

   a no-win situation; a no-win war.

no-win

adjective

1. offering no possibility of a favourable outcome (esp in the phrase a no-win situation )

Word History and Origins

Origin of no-win¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The end result: Renters get caught in something of a no-win situation.

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"It was more than being allergic - you were going into a no-win scenario," a former No 10 official recalls.

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“However, to achieve that goal, we must have both the authority and support to remove barriers that hinder progress rather than perpetuate no-win situations.”

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But in a sense, Fincher was saddled with a no-win situation.

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Many groups say that long term BP and others are pursuing a no-win strategy.

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Related Words

• absurd 
• futile 
• hopeless 
• impassable 
• impractical 
• inaccessible 
• inconceivable 
• insurmountable 
• preposterous 
• unattainable 
• unimaginable 
• unreasonable 
• unthinkable 
• unworkable 
• useless