"Forlorn" vs. "hopeless": nuances of despair

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 05/08/2025, 23:25

English.me team member

Forlorn and hopeless. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "forlorn" and "hopeless" describe feelings of despair and a lack of hope. They are often used to convey a sense of sadness, loss, or emptiness.

What is different?

"Forlorn" often implies loneliness or abandonment in addition to hopelessness, carrying an emotional tone of sadness and isolation. "Hopeless" strictly refers to a lack of hope, without necessarily suggesting abandonment or loneliness.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Forlorn

She sat by the window with a forlorn expression, staring out into the rain.
The abandoned puppy looked forlorn in the empty alley.
After hearing the news, he felt forlorn and alone.

Hopeless

After so many failed attempts, he felt completely hopeless.
The situation seemed hopeless, with no solution in sight.
She gave him a hopeless look, knowing nothing could be done.