is a lost cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a lost cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or effort that is hopeless or unlikely to succeed. Example: "Despite our best efforts to save the project, it has become clear that it is a lost cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think it is a lost cause.

The New York Times - Sports

Not that Hays is a lost cause.

The Guardian - Business

As for timing: closing time is a lost cause.

The New York Times

There is a sense that Afghanistan is a lost cause.

The New York Times

But some think reform is a lost cause.

The New York Times

The mainstream political wisdom has it that Mr. Montebourg's petition is a lost cause.

The New York Times

Mr. Leibson doesn't much like the idea, but this one is a lost cause.

The New York Times

In most of the country, the rebellion is a lost cause.

The Washington Post

On the other hand, I think asking President Obama to pardon him is a lost cause.

The Guardian

Droning on about the providence and husbandry of the bee, Senator Pressler, is a lost cause.

The New York Times

But with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe adamantly opposed, that is a lost cause.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose synonyms that appropriately convey the level of despair. For example, "futile endeavor" might be more suitable in formal writing than "hopeless case".

Common error

Avoid using "is a lost cause" prematurely. Ensure all possible avenues for resolution have been explored before declaring a situation as irredeemable. Otherwise, you risk creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a lost cause" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject as being beyond hope or redemption. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a lost cause" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a sense of hopelessness or futility. As Ludwig's examples show, it appears frequently in news and media, but also finds its place in academic and business contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the audience and context when choosing synonyms for formal writing. Avoid prematurely labeling situations as "a lost cause", as doing so can be discouraging. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and provides numerous examples for effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a hopeless case

Replaces "lost cause" with "hopeless case", emphasizing the lack of hope for improvement or success.

is a futile endeavor

Substitutes "lost cause" with "futile endeavor", highlighting the pointlessness of the effort.

is beyond redemption

Indicates that the situation or person cannot be saved or improved.

is a doomed enterprise

Emphasizes the inevitable failure of the project or undertaking.

is a non-starter

Suggests the idea or plan was never viable from the beginning.

is a dead end

Implies that further effort will not lead to a positive outcome.

is a wasted effort

Highlights that the resources and energy invested have been unproductive.

is not worth pursuing

Advises against further attempts due to the low probability of success.

is a lost battle

Uses the metaphor of a battle to convey the inevitability of defeat.

is an exercise in futility

Emphasizes the complete lack of value or purpose in continuing the effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "is a lost cause" to describe situations or efforts that are unlikely to succeed, such as, "Trying to convince him to change his mind "is a lost cause"."

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

Some alternatives include "is a hopeless case", "is a futile endeavor", or "is beyond redemption", depending on the specific context.

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

While "is a lost cause" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "is a futile endeavor" or "is not worth pursuing" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

When should I avoid using the phrase "is a lost cause"?

Avoid using "is a lost cause" when there's still a reasonable chance of success or when the situation is not yet fully explored. Using it prematurely can be discouraging and may prevent potential solutions.