unreasonable hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreasonable hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hope or expectation that is not based on realistic possibilities or is overly optimistic. Example: "Despite the overwhelming evidence against it, she held onto her unreasonable hope that everything would turn out fine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's not an unreasonable hope.

The New York Times - Books

Oklahoma State's best, perhaps only, hope for making the NBA Finals is that Kevin Durant and/or Russell Westbrook have a few huge games against the Spurs, which is not an unreasonable hope.

The Guardian - Sport

You could say he constructed a new life for me, created my possibility: brought me unreasonable hope when I couldn't continue without it, built me a shelter of spacious rooms where I could heal; widened the doorways, built the ramps out in Weston, loved me again".

The New York Times

"Finding such events is not an unreasonable hope," they write, noting that they took the first spectra from GRB 090423 15 hours after the burst.

Science Magazine

Is female ordination, then, an unreasonable hope?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Deadly tom boy Arya Stark puts to the sword all those who conspired against her dad before becoming queen of all our hearts This option would give us all narrative closure and not unreasonable hopes for peace in a troubled realm.

The Guardian - Books

So how does that fit in the mix?" The effect he'd had in Sierra Leone, Kargbo said, was to tear apart families, "which is what the war has been about," and to raise unreasonable hopes among the amputees who were left behind.

The New Yorker

Mexico City conversations are filled with slangy local idioms, and son de güeva gets at the way we experienced our team this year: recurrent outrage that soon gave way to a world-weary existential shrug, which allowed our (unreasonable) hopes to rise again by the next nightfall.

The New Yorker

But it's not unreasonable to hope that Italians take advantage of his ouster and start to prepare — really prepare — for the future.

The New York Times

For the first time since last August, I believe it is not unreasonable to hope that in the US, at least, the financial crisis will remain in remission.

The New York Times

That fortunate record makes me believe that although it would be unwise to expect an easy dying, it is not unreasonable to hope for one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unreasonable hope", consider whether "unrealistic expectation" or "unfounded optimism" might be more precise, depending on whether you want to emphasize the lack of foundation or the excess of optimism.

Common error

Avoid using "unreasonable hope" when you actually mean determined optimism in the face of adversity. The former implies a detachment from reality, while the latter acknowledges challenges but maintains a positive outlook.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreasonable hope" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unreasonable" modifies the noun "hope". It describes a specific type of hope, one that is not grounded in reality or logic. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unreasonable hope" is a grammatically correct but relatively rare phrase used to describe an unrealistic or unfounded expectation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to express skepticism about overly optimistic views. When using this phrase, consider the connotations it carries and whether alternatives like "unrealistic expectation" or "unfounded optimism" might be more precise. Despite its negative implications, "unreasonable hope" can sometimes motivate action in the face of adversity but be careful to not confuse it with determined optimism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfounded optimism

Stresses the lack of a solid basis for the positive feeling.

unrealistic expectation

Focuses on the expectation aspect being detached from reality.

wishful thinking

Highlights the desire as the primary driver, rather than reason.

implausible aspiration

Focuses on the low likelihood of the desire being fulfilled.

overly optimistic outlook

Highlights the excessive positivity of the viewpoint.

naive expectation

Emphasizes the lack of experience or awareness behind the anticipation.

false hope

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the hope.

utopian dream

Implies an idealized and unattainable vision.

delusional anticipation

Suggests a stronger detachment from reality.

fool's paradise

Suggests a state of happiness based on ignorance of potential problems.

FAQs

What does "unreasonable hope" mean?

The phrase "unreasonable hope" describes an optimistic expectation that is unlikely to be fulfilled or is not based on realistic possibilities. It suggests a level of optimism that is disconnected from the actual circumstances.

What can I say instead of "unreasonable hope"?

You can use alternatives like "unrealistic expectation", "unfounded optimism", or "wishful thinking" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to have an unreasonable hope?

While "unreasonable hope" often carries a negative connotation due to its detachment from reality, in certain situations, it can provide motivation or resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. However, it's crucial to balance it with a realistic assessment of the situation.

How does "unreasonable hope" differ from optimism?

"Unreasonable hope" differs from general optimism in its degree of detachment from reality. Optimism acknowledges challenges but maintains a positive outlook based on some level of possibility. "Unreasonable hope", on the other hand, persists despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.