utterly hopeless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly hopeless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling where there is no possibility of improvement or success. Example: "After months of trying to fix the broken relationship, I felt utterly hopeless about our future together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

She said: "I feel utterly hopeless.

Independent

I'm too obviously desperate, utterly hopeless.

The New Yorker

The situation is looking utterly hopeless.

The New York Times - Style

Is Britain's youth really so utterly hopeless and unemployable?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I stood for a moment, feeling utterly hopeless.

The Guardian

I can see that it is utterly hopeless to wean you away from the machine.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Many people voted leave based on very real grievances – too many communities feel hollowed out and hopeless, utterly ignored by the Westminster elite.

The Guardian

It was horrible; it was dehumanizing; it was utterly and irrevocably hopeless.

Huffington Post

After a hot bath, I almost fainted, threw up again and felt utterly exhausted and hopeless.

Huffington Post

Wilde's final address was at the dingy Hôtel d'Alsace (now known as L'Hôtel), in Paris; "This poverty really breaks one's heart: it is so sale, so utterly depressing, so hopeless.

Wikipedia

If your entire exposure to the recently-released jobs report has come in the form of breaking news alerts to your inbox, you may be only aware of the part of the story that is not utterly dismal and hopeless.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly hopeless" to convey a sense of complete and irreversible lack of hope. This phrase is strongest when describing situations or feelings where all avenues for improvement appear to be closed.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly hopeless" for minor setbacks or temporary disappointments. This phrase implies a finality that can be disproportionate if used in less critical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly hopeless" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a complete lack of hope or possibility. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it is used to describe situations, feelings, or even people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

11%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective phrase "utterly hopeless" describes a situation or feeling characterized by the complete absence of hope or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, especially in News & Media, reflecting its role in conveying strong negative sentiments. While alternatives like "completely despairing" or "totally without hope" exist, understanding the gravity and finality implied by "utterly hopeless" is key to its appropriate use. Overusing this phrase may dilute its impact, so reserve it for truly dire situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely despairing

Emphasizes the feeling of despair more directly than the lack of hope.

totally without hope

Focuses on the absence of hope, using a more literal construction.

entirely pessimistic

Highlights a negative outlook rather than a lack of opportunity.

absolutely irredeemable

Suggests a situation that cannot be saved or improved.

in a state of complete dejection

Describes the emotional state resulting from hopelessness.

beyond any expectation of success

Focuses on the impossibility of achieving a positive outcome.

past all redemption

Similar to irredeemable, but with a stronger emphasis on moral or spiritual failure.

devoid of optimism

Highlights the absence of positive expectations for the future.

bereft of any chance

Focuses on the lack of opportunity for improvement or success.

doomed to fail

Implies a predetermined negative outcome, shifting focus from internal feeling to external forces.

FAQs

What does "utterly hopeless" mean?

The phrase "utterly hopeless" describes a situation or feeling where there is no possibility of improvement or success, suggesting a complete lack of hope.

How to use "utterly hopeless" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly hopeless" to describe a situation, for example: "The situation seemed "utterly hopeless" after the company declared bankruptcy." It can also describe a feeling: "I felt "utterly hopeless" when I realized I had failed the exam."

What can I say instead of "utterly hopeless"?

You can use alternatives like "completely despairing", "totally without hope", or "entirely pessimistic" depending on the context.

Is "utterly hopeless" too dramatic for everyday conversation?

While "utterly hopeless" can sound dramatic, it is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation when describing genuinely dire or irredeemable situations. Consider the impact and choose your words depending on the gravity of the situation.