lost cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost cause" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when referring to a cause that has no hope of being successful. For example: "Trying to get the kids to clean their rooms was a lost cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That's a lost cause.

The New York Times

It was a lost cause.

The Economist

Is it a lost cause?

The New Yorker

"It's not a lost cause".

The New Yorker

It's a lost cause.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some lost cause.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think it is a lost cause.

The New York Times - Sports

Europe may be a lost cause.

The New York Times

But it was a lost cause.

The New York Times

Iran is obviously a lost cause.

The New York Times

Sensing a lost cause, he changed tactics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost cause", ensure the context clearly indicates an effort or situation with virtually no chance of success. This phrase is effective for conveying a sense of resignation or futility.

Common error

Avoid using "lost cause" for situations that still have a reasonable chance of improvement or success with further effort. Overusing the phrase can create a prematurely pessimistic or dismissive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost cause" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject complement, object of a preposition, or direct object, describing something that is considered hopeless or futile. Ludwig's examples show it being used in various contexts to express this sense of hopelessness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lost cause" is a common noun phrase used to describe something with little to no chance of success. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the numerous examples demonstrate its frequent use in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to avoid applying it prematurely to recoverable situations. Consider alternatives like "futile endeavor" or "hopeless case" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding these aspects ensures effective and appropriate use of "lost cause" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hopeless case

Focuses on the lack of hope associated with the situation or person, suggesting no possibility of improvement.

futile endeavor

Emphasizes the pointlessness of the effort, highlighting its lack of potential for success.

fruitless attempt

Stresses the lack of positive outcomes despite the effort invested.

exercise in futility

Highlights the wasteful nature of the effort, suggesting it will achieve nothing of value.

dead end

Implies that further progress is impossible, as the path leads to nowhere.

labor in vain

A more formal way of saying that the effort is wasted, evoking a sense of pointless toil.

doomed enterprise

Suggests the project or undertaking is destined to fail, emphasizing its inevitable downfall.

no-win situation

Highlights the lack of any possibility for a favorable outcome, regardless of the actions taken.

sinking ship

Uses a metaphor to describe a situation that is collapsing and cannot be saved.

mission impossible

Emphasizes the extreme difficulty and unlikelihood of success, often used hyperbolically.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost cause" to describe an effort or situation that is unlikely to succeed. For example, "Trying to convince him to change his mind is a "lost cause"."

What are some alternatives to saying "lost cause"?

Alternatives include "futile endeavor", "hopeless case", or "exercise in futility", each emphasizing different aspects of the lack of success.

When is it appropriate to describe something as a "lost cause"?

It's appropriate when the odds of success are extremely low and further effort is unlikely to change the outcome. Consider whether the situation is truly irreversible before using this phrase.

Is "lost cause" formal or informal language?

"Lost cause" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in everyday conversation and writing.