B1adjectiveemotionspsychology
US/ˈhoʊp.ləs/
UK/ˈhəʊp.ləs/
having no hope that a situation will get better; also very bad at something
In context
After the third failed test, the situation seemed hopeless.
I'm hopeless at remembering names, so I always write them down.
He felt hopeless when he lost his job and his home in one month.
Words that go with hopeless
adjective + noun
- hopeless situationThey found themselves in a hopeless situation.
- hopeless caseThe doctors said it was not a hopeless case.
- hopeless causeSaving the old factory seemed a hopeless cause.
- hopeless romanticMy brother is a hopeless romantic.
adverb + adjective
- completely hopelessWithout a map, we were completely hopeless.
adjective + preposition
- hopeless atShe is hopeless at sports.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am hopeless in math.Correct: I am hopeless at math.