it is a lost cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a lost cause" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a situation or effort that is hopeless or unlikely to succeed. Example: "After years of trying to change his mind, I realized it is a lost cause." Alternative expressions include "it's futile" and "it's a hopeless endeavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I think it is a lost cause.

The New York Times - Sports

However, for the customers that had already left or have plans to leave it is a lost cause.

Huffington Post

If the counselor disagrees, accept that it is a lost cause.

WikiHow

"I think most students realize it is a lost cause," Ryan said.

The New York Times - Sports

The idea that artists can treat the city like a canvas ends up suggesting that it is a lost cause, an entire metropolitan area written off as raw material for upcycling.

The New York Times

This doesn't mean it is a lost cause, of course.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was a lost cause.

The Economist

But it was a lost cause.

The New York Times

I thought it was a lost cause".

The New York Times

It's a lost cause.

The New York Times - Magazine

When Coach said that, it was a lost cause.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase is effective in persuasive writing to argue against a failing policy or project.

Common error

Do not use the phrase when referring to a literal object that is simply missing. For example, if you lost your keys, saying "my keys are a lost cause" is dramatic and slightly incorrect unless you mean they are unrecoverable and you have stopped looking for them. Use it for situations or efforts rather than simple physical loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a lost cause" functions as a declarative statement where "it" is a dummy subject or refers to a specific preceding situation. It uses a copular verb to link the subject to a noun phrase that serves as a subjective completion. Ludwig examples show it often acts as a definitive conclusion in a sequence of reasoning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is a lost cause" is a staple of English idiomatic expression, used to identify efforts that have no path to success. According to Ludwig AI and the analyzed data, the phrase is most prevalent in high-quality journalism, appearing in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian to describe political, social and athletic failures. It serves as a clear marker of resignation. While synonyms like "<a href="/s/it+is+futile" target="_blank" rel="alternative">it is futile" offer a more clinical tone, "it is a lost cause" carries a weight of finality that is recognizable across all levels of formality. Writers should use it to provide a sharp, definitive assessment of a situation that is beyond repair or recovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is futile

Suggests that the effort itself is incapable of producing any result.

it is hopeless

Focuses on the lack of expectation for a positive outcome.

it is pointless

Implies that there is no meaningful reason to continue the effort.

it is a dead end

Uses a metaphor for a path that leads nowhere.

it is in vain

A more formal way to say the effort will achieve nothing.

it is a wild goose chase

Implies the effort is a foolish or hopeless search for something unattainable.

it is beyond redemption

Suggests that something is too far gone to be improved or saved.

it is a sinking ship

Metaphorical reference to an organization or situation that is failing rapidly.

it is a non-starter

Indicates that an idea has no chance of succeeding from the very beginning.

it is past saving

Indicates that the window of opportunity to fix the situation has closed.

FAQs

How to use "it is a lost cause" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a hopeless situation, such as: "The coach realized that trying to win the game with five minutes left and a thirty-point deficit meant <a href="/s/it+is+a+lost+cause" target="_blank" rel="alternative">it is a lost cause."

What can I say instead of "it is a lost cause"?

Depending on the tone, you could use "<a href="/s/it+is+futile" target="_blank" rel="alternative">it is futile", "<a href="/s/it+is+hopeless" target="_blank" rel="alternative">it is hopeless" or simply say it is "<a href="/s/pointless" target="_blank" rel="alternative">pointless".

Is "it is a lost cause" formal enough for business?

Yes, it is generally acceptable in professional writing, though more clinical terms like "<a href="/s/not+viable" target="_blank" rel="alternative">not viable" or "<a href="/s/unfeasible" target="_blank" rel="alternative">unfeasible" are sometimes preferred in technical reports.

What is the origin of the phrase "lost cause"?

While used generally now, it historically referred to the defeated Confederacy after the American Civil War, but it has evolved into a common idiom for any doomed effort.