a lost cause

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost cause" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which success or a positive outcome is seen to be impossible. For example: "Trying to get him to agree was a lost cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a lost cause.

The New York Times

It was a lost cause.

The Economist

Is it a lost cause?

The New Yorker

"It's not a lost cause".

The New Yorker

It's a lost cause.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is this a lost cause?

University of California, Berkeley

"I think it is a lost cause.

The New York Times - Sports

Europe may be a lost cause.

The New York Times

But it was a lost cause.

The New York Times

Iran is obviously a lost cause.

The New York Times

Sensing a lost cause, he changed tactics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lost cause", ensure the context clearly establishes the reasons for the perceived futility. Provide enough information so the reader understands why the situation is deemed hopeless.

Common error

Avoid prematurely labeling situations as "a lost cause". Ensure thorough assessment and exploration of potential solutions before concluding that success is impossible. Consider potential unintended consequences of abandoning an effort too soon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lost cause" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an object of a preposition. It identifies a situation, endeavor, or person considered hopeless or beyond redemption. The Ludwig examples show it describing various scenarios from political climates to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lost cause" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations deemed hopeless. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its frequent use in news, media, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to use it judiciously, ensuring a clear understanding of the reasons behind the perceived futility. Consider context and explore alternatives for nuanced communication, while being mindful of prematurely labeling situations as hopeless. Be aware that "a lost cause" is neutral in tone and avoid it where a more formal tone is preferred. Ludwig's examples from authoritative sources demonstrate the wide application of this phrase, underlining its role in conveying pessimism or resignation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hopeless endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of hope associated with the undertaking.

a futile attempt

Highlights the ineffectiveness and pointlessness of the effort.

an exercise in futility

Draws attention to the unproductive nature of the task.

a lost battle

Focuses on the inevitability of defeat in the given situation.

a doomed enterprise

Suggests a predetermined failure for the venture.

an impossible task

Highlights the insurmountable challenges involved.

a dead end

Implies a lack of progress and future potential.

a non-starter

Indicates something that has no chance of succeeding from the beginning.

water under the bridge

Refers to something that cannot be changed and shouldn't be worried about.

beating a dead horse

Describes the act of continuing to argue a point that is already settled.

FAQs

How can I use "a lost cause" in a sentence?

You can use "a lost cause" to describe situations where success seems impossible. For instance, "Trying to convince him to change his mind is "a lost cause"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a lost cause"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a hopeless endeavor", "a futile attempt", or "an impossible task" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a lost cause" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "a hopeless endeavor" or "an exercise in futility" in highly formal contexts, as they might convey a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a lost cause" and "a losing battle"?

"A lost cause" implies that success is fundamentally unattainable, while "a losing battle" suggests that defeat is likely, but not necessarily certain. There's a subtle difference in the degree of hopelessness implied.