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

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

When I brought up the Central Park Zoo, and he said, “They were definitely in a no-win situation,” he might have been speaking about zoos in general.

From Salon

He’s voting for Trump, after supporting President Biden four years ago and Trump in 2016, but calls this year’s election “a no-win situation.”

From Los Angeles Times

Discussing the conflict publicly is a no-win endeavor for both parties.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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