Have you encountered the word “hopelessness” before, but weren’t exactly sure what it meant? Also, maybe you’re wondering how you might use it in a sentence? Don’t fear, for we have all of that information right here. Also, if you’re interested in learning the definition of the word “hopelessness” as well as its synonyms and how to use it in a sentence, then read on.
Definition of “Hopelessness”
According to Oxford Languages, “hopelessness” is a noun, and is defined as “a feeling or state of despair; lack of hope.” In addition, hopelessness is a powerful emotional state. Someone who is experiencing feelings of hopelessness might feel as though there is no chance of their lives improving. Likewise, they may feel they won’t ever find success in some area of their lives.
“Hopelessness” comes, of course, from “hopeless”, which is an adjective. “Hopeless” is defined as “having no expectation of good or success”. Basically, the difference between hopelessness and hopeless is that something can be hopeless, but hopelessness is something you feel.
Likewise, there are many other words as well that are synonymous with “hopelessness”. Some of these words include:
- anguish
- desperation
- despondency
- discouragement
- gloom
- melancholy
- misery
- sorrow
How to Use “Hopelessness” in a Sentence
“Hopelessness” is a noun that refers to feelings of being unable to succeed. Therefore, you would use “hopelessness” in a sentence to describe either how someone was feeling, or the general feel of a situation. Here are some examples of how “hopelessness” can be used in a sentence:
- “The hopelessness of his expression betrayed his reassuring words.”
- “This movie truly captures the hopelessness of being a P.O.W. in the Vietnam War.”
- “With a sigh of hopelessness, the man resigned himself to his fate.”
- “The situation left me with a pervasive feeling of hopelessness.”
“Hopelessness” is a pretty strong word, because its use implies that there are feelings of deep despair that are present. Ideally, you would want to use the word “hopelessness” in a sentence when you are trying to convey the severity of a particular situation. On the contrary, if a situation only seemed a little off or uncertain, you wouldn’t use “hopelessness” to describe the feelings surrounding that situation.