hopeless

Hopeless is an adjective describing the absence of hope or the belief that a desired outcome is unlikely or unattainable. It can refer to a person's mindset, or to a situation, prospect, or plan deemed undoable. Common phrases include "a hopeless situation" or "a hopeless romantic" in which the speaker uses ironical emphasis. The noun form is hopelessness, while the adverb is hopelessly.

Etymology: The word is formed from the noun hope plus the suffix -less, indicating without. It entered English in the Middle English period, drawing on the older verb "hope" dating to Old English "hopian" and related Germanic roots.

Usage and nuance: Hopeless describes a disposition or evaluation that favors pessimism about future outcomes. It is often stronger than simply negative or uncertain and may imply resignation.

In psychology and public health, hopelessness is a cognitive state characterized by negative expectations about the future. It is studied as a component of depression and other mood disorders and is associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors. Measurement tools such as the Beck Hopelessness Scale are used in research and clinical settings.

In culture, the term appears in literature, music, and film as a theme or title, typically emphasizing despair, futility, or emotional strain. Related terms include despair, despondency, and despondent; antonyms include hopeful, optimistic, and confident.

See also: Hopelessness; depression; mental health; optimism; pessimism.