hopelessness

[ hohp-lis-nis ]

noun

1. the feeling or condition of having no hope; despair; desperation:

   Among the worst demons of addiction is hopelessness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hopelessness¹

First recorded in 1805–10; hopeless ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

With clinical depression, you have five or more symptoms, like low appetite, change in appetite, poor sleep, low energy, feeling restless, guilt, hopelessness, suicidal ideation.

From Los Angeles Times

With no way to legally enter the U.S., the mood among migrants still in Tijuana has shifted from cautious optimism to hopelessness.

From Los Angeles Times

Anyone who sees this devastating film may share in that sense of hopelessness.

From Los Angeles Times

In turn, these financial beliefs, behaviors and patterns can lead to feelings of pervasive hopelessness, Jack said.

From Salon

"I know the pain, I know the loneliness and also the hopelessness you feel because the world let you suffer and did nothing about it," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• anguish
• desperation
• despondency
• discouragement
• gloom
• melancholy
• misery
• sorrow