futile hope

USAGE SUMMARY

"futile hope" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but it typically refers to a hope or desire that is ultimately pointless or without any real chance of success. Example: Despite his repeated attempts, John held onto a futile hope that his ex-girlfriend would take him back.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It was a futile hope.

The New Yorker

This is a futile hope.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a futile hope.

The Guardian - Sport

This was possibly a futile hope.

The New Yorker

She bent toward the screen in futile hope of glimpsing a familiar face.

The New York Times

Many people fled, but Pasang went toward the avalanche, in the futile hope of finding survivors; nineteen people died.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Rick and Glenn find Hershel in the town bar, relapsing into his alcoholic habits and lamenting his futile hopes of a cure for his reanimated loved ones.

Wikipedia

The other is a futile, childish hope.

Harvard University

It is futile to hope that lower taxes or investment incentives will solve the problem.

The Economist

But this may be as futile a hope as was the belief among post-1918 politiciand and economists that all would be well if the gold standard could be restored; things had changed too much in the interim.

The Economist

Perhaps as much light as will ever be shone on the inexhaustibly complex behaviour of economic actors has by now been cast, and it is futile to hope for more.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "futile hope" to express situations where the desired outcome is highly unlikely or impossible, despite ongoing efforts or wishes. It adds a sense of resignation or acceptance of the inevitable.

Common error

Avoid using "futile hope" when describing a situation involving calculated risks where success is uncertain but possible. "Futile hope" suggests an inherent impossibility, not just low probability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "futile hope" functions as a noun phrase, where "futile" modifies the noun "hope." It describes a specific type of hope characterized by its unlikelihood of realization. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "futile hope" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a hope that is unlikely or impossible to achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily news and media, sports, and literature. While its usage is generally neutral, it's important to distinguish it from situations involving calculated risks where success is uncertain but not entirely impossible. When seeking alternative expressions, consider synonyms like "vain hope" or "pipe dream" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrealistic aspiration

Implies the goal is unachievable given the current circumstances.

groundless expectation

Emphasizes the lack of basis or justification for the expectation.

baseless anticipation

Focuses on the absence of any real foundation for the expectation.

wishful thinking

Focuses on the desire for something to be true, regardless of its likelihood.

unfounded optimism

Highlights the lack of factual support for a positive outlook.

illusory prospect

Emphasizes the deceptive or unreal nature of the anticipated outcome.

false dawn

Implies a misleading signal of improvement or success.

misplaced faith

Highlights the misguided trust or confidence in something.

pipe dream

Suggests an unrealistic and fanciful aspiration.

empty promise

Highlights the lack of fulfillment or substance in an expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "futile hope" in a sentence?

You can use "futile hope" to describe a situation where someone continues to hope for something despite overwhelming evidence that it will not happen. For example: "Despite the doctor's prognosis, he clung to the "futile hope" that his condition would improve."

What are some synonyms for "futile hope"?

Some synonyms for "futile hope" include "vain hope", "empty promise", and "pipe dream". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "futile hope" and "wishful thinking"?

"Futile hope" suggests a situation where the desired outcome is practically impossible, while "wishful thinking" implies believing something because you want it to be true, even if it's unlikely.

Is it ever appropriate to encourage someone's "futile hope"?

While generally it's best to be realistic, there are situations where acknowledging someone's "futile hope" can provide comfort or allow them to process difficult emotions. However, it's important to avoid fostering false expectations.