hopeless

Everyday

1. Without any hope; when there is no chance that things will get better. tree →
2. Very bad at something: «I'm hopeless at drawing». tree →
3. Impossible to deal with or solve: «a hopeless mess». tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows despair: «a hopeless situation», «felt hopeless». In everyday talk people jokingly say they are «hopeless at» a skill. In wellbeing lessons: if you feel hopeless for a long time, talk to a trusted adult — things can get better.

Examples

• The game looked hopeless when we were five goals down. tree →
• I'm hopeless at maths, but I'm getting better. tree →
• The lost sailors felt hopeless on the empty sea. tree →
• My brother is hopeless at keeping secrets. tree →
• The knot was a hopeless tangle. tree →
• Never feel hopeless; ask someone for help. tree →
• Dad is hopeless at remembering birthdays. tree →
• Of course he felt quite hopeless. tree →

Note

«-less» means «without»: hope → hopeless (without hope), like «careless», «homeless». Opposite: «hopeful». Adverb: «hopelessly» («hopelessly lost»). «Hopeless at» + a skill is informal and often not meant seriously.