feeling hopeless

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeling hopeless" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of hopelessness or despair. For example, "I felt so hopeless after the last election, I didn't know what to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was feeling hopeless.

The New York Times - Sports

"How do they keep from feeling hopeless?

The New Yorker

My lack of short-term process goals was leaving me feeling hopeless and unmotivated.

The New York Times

Humankind in this view is left feeling hopeless, bewildered, and anxious.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I had been feeling hopeless and helpless, tearful, with no motivation or interest in doing anything.

The Guardian

This song is a reclamation of love after feeling hopeless; it's a triumph over heartbreak.

The Guardian - Music

"They were blamed for poor parenting, left feeling hopeless and guilty".

The Guardian - Music

I started the March feeling hopeless and ended it feeling tougher, more present.

The New Yorker

Needy parents should not be forced into this downward spiral of debt, which can leave them feeling hopeless.

Independent

Another student said he was struggling academically, feared that his parents would find out and was drinking and feeling hopeless.

The New York Times - Health

Young people, feeling hopeless, began to tell each other to follow their ancestors and kill themselves like Purrukapali.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing personal feelings, use "feeling hopeless" to clearly convey a sense of despair and lack of positive outlook. Ensure the context supports the intensity of this emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling hopeless" to describe temporary setbacks or minor disappointments. This phrase carries a strong connotation of deep despair, and using it inappropriately can diminish its impact when describing more serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling hopeless" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (e.g., "I am feeling hopeless"). It describes a state of mind characterized by a lack of hope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling hopeless" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a profound sense of despair and lack of expectation for positive outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Analysis of its usage reveals that it is frequently employed in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants its intensity to avoid diminishing its impact. Alternatives such as "feeling despairing" or "losing hope" can be used to convey similar, but subtly different, nuances. Be mindful of the potential for overuse and strive for authenticity in expressing this emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling despairing

Similar in expressing a loss of hope, but emphasizes the intensity of the despair involved.

feeling despondent

Highlights a state of low spirits and discouragement, akin to hopelessness.

feeling discouraged

Focuses on a loss of motivation and confidence due to setbacks.

losing hope

Describes the process of hope diminishing, rather than a complete absence of hope.

without hope

Emphasizes the lack of any positive expectation for the future.

feeling helpless

Focuses on the lack of control and ability to change a situation, often accompanying hopelessness.

feeling defeated

Conveys a sense of having lost a struggle, leading to hopelessness.

at the end of one's rope

Idiomatic expression indicating that one has exhausted all coping resources and feels hopeless.

in despair

Focuses on the state of being overwhelmed by hopelessness.

giving up hope

Signifies a decision to abandon any expectation of a positive outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeling hopeless" to describe a state of despair. For example, "After losing his job, he was "feeling hopeless" about his future".

What are some synonyms for "feeling hopeless"?

Alternatives to "feeling hopeless" include "feeling despairing", "feeling despondent", or "losing hope", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am feeling hopeless"?

Yes, "I am feeling hopeless" is grammatically correct and commonly used. You can also say "I feel hopeless", which is equally valid.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "feeling hopeless"?

Use "feeling hopeless" when describing a situation where you have lost all hope and see no possibility of a positive outcome. It conveys a strong sense of despair and should be used when the situation warrants such intensity.