a hopeless case

USAGE SUMMARY

"a hopeless case" is a common phrase used in written English and means a situation that cannot be fixed or is beyond repair.
For example, "The broken car was a hopeless case; they had to buy a new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a hopeless case".

The New Yorker

I left both because Amtrak is a hopeless case.

The Economist

I saw that he saw me as a hopeless case.

The Guardian

He didn't blame Donal Prunty because you couldn't blame a hopeless case.

The New Yorker

The group plans to appeal the decision, but theirs is most likely a hopeless case.

The New Yorker

He argues that Greece, unlike the other crisis-hit countries, is a hopeless case.

The Economist

Just 15 years ago the emerging world looked a hopeless case, economically speaking.

The Economist

Yet Myanmar is not a hopeless case, hardly worth bothering about.

The Economist

Though the boy is a hopeless case, Shank hopes to turn him into a passable Cressida.

The Guardian

"I think it's probably a hopeless case," Mr. Wiltshire said of finding the fifth submarine.

The New York Times

Not that Europe is altogether "a hopeless case", he adds, his words chosen carefully.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hopeless case" when you want to emphasize the futility of a situation or the lack of potential for improvement. For example, instead of saying "the project has problems", you can say "the project is a hopeless case" to convey a stronger sense of negativity and lack of viable solutions.

Common error

Don't use "a hopeless case" for situations that are merely difficult or challenging. This phrase should be reserved for scenarios where there is a genuine lack of viable solutions or potential for improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hopeless case" functions primarily as a noun phrase often used as a predicate nominative or objective complement. It typically describes a person, situation, or object considered beyond redemption or repair. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hopeless case" is a commonly used expression to describe situations, people, or objects beyond redemption or repair. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse sources, from news and media to academic and scientific publications. While the phrase is versatile, it's essential to consider the scope of the issue before deeming it "a hopeless case", reserving the expression for situations truly devoid of potential improvement. Alternatives like "a lost cause" or "a dead end" can provide nuanced ways of expressing similar sentiments, each with a slightly different emphasis. Remember to be mindful of the context to choose the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lost cause

This alternative suggests that any effort to help or improve the situation is futile.

a futile endeavor

Focuses on the pointlessness of the activity given the lack of possibility for success.

a dead end

Highlights the lack of future progress or positive outcome.

beyond redemption

Emphasizes the irrecoverable nature of the person or situation.

past the point of no return

Stresses that it is impossible to go back to a previous state.

irreparable situation

Indicates that the damage or problem cannot be fixed.

unpromising prospect

Suggests that the future outlook is bleak and unfavorable.

doomed to fail

Conveys an inevitable negative outcome.

in a bind

Emphasizes a difficult situation with no easy solution.

out of options

Suggests that all possible solutions have been exhausted.

FAQs

How can I use "a hopeless case" in a sentence?

You can use "a hopeless case" to describe a situation, person, or object that seems beyond help or repair. For example, "After the accident, the car was considered "a hopeless case"".

What are some alternatives to "a hopeless case"?

Some alternatives to "a hopeless case" include "a lost cause", "a futile endeavor", or "a dead end". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a hopeless case" in a professional setting?

While "a hopeless case" can be used in a professional setting, consider the tone and audience. In some contexts, it may be more appropriate to use a less emotive phrase like "an unpromising situation" or "a project facing significant challenges".

What's the difference between "a hopeless case" and "a difficult situation"?

"A difficult situation" implies that there are challenges to overcome, but that success is still possible. "A hopeless case" suggests that there is little to no chance of success, regardless of effort.