hopeless case

USAGE SUMMARY

"hopeless case" is a correct and common expression in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that seems to have no hope of success. For example, you could say, "The accused's legal situation looked like a hopeless case to the judge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a hopeless case".

The New Yorker

A lost, hopeless case.

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hopeless case" when referring to a situation or person that seems unlikely to improve or succeed, but consider alternatives like "lost cause" or "impossible situation" to refine your intended meaning.

Common error

While "hopeless case" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more professional synonyms such as "irreparable situation" or "terminal condition" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hopeless case" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig shows how it describes entities deemed irredeemable or situations lacking potential for improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hopeless case" is a common expression used to describe someone or something with little to no chance of success or improvement. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While frequently found in news and media, it's crucial to consider the context before using it, especially in formal settings, where alternatives like "irreparable situation" or "terminal condition" might be more appropriate. Remember to use it accurately and avoid overuse to ensure your writing remains precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impossible situation

Focuses on the situational aspect, highlighting the lack of feasible solutions.

lost cause

Emphasizes the futility of further effort, suggesting abandonment.

no-win scenario

Highlights the inevitability of a negative outcome, regardless of actions taken.

irreparable situation

Focuses on the irreversible damage or deterioration.

beyond redemption

Highlights the inability to be saved or improved.

terminal condition

Emphasizes the certainty of a negative outcome, often related to health or progress.

forsaken endeavor

Focuses on projects that were left unfinished

deadlocked endeavor

Highlights projects that don't have any future

unworkable proposition

Focuses on proposals with no possibility of being realized

doomed undertaking

Emphasizes the inevitability of failure in the endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "hopeless case" to describe someone or something that seems unlikely to succeed or improve. For example: "The patient's condition was considered a "hopeless case" by many doctors."

What are some alternatives to "hopeless case"?

Alternatives include "lost cause", "impossible situation", or "no-win scenario", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "hopeless case" in formal writing?

While understandable, "hopeless case" might be too informal for certain contexts. Consider alternatives such as "irreparable situation" or "terminal condition" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean when someone is referred to as a "hopeless case"?

Referring to someone as a "hopeless case" suggests they are seen as incapable of improvement or success. It implies a pessimistic outlook regarding their future prospects.