hopelessness

UK: ˈhəʊpləsnəs | US: ˈhoʊpləsnəs

Definition

  1. n. the state or condition of being without hope; despair

Structure
hope <desire for a positive outcome>less <without>ness <noun suffix indicating state>
Etymology

The word "hopelessness" is built from three clear morphemes:

  1. "Hope" (from Old English hopa, meaning "confidence in the future").
  2. The suffix "-less" (from Old English -lēas, meaning "without"), which negates the root.
  3. The suffix "-ness" (from Old English -nes, forming abstract nouns denoting a state or quality).
    The progression is logical: "hope" → "hopeless" (lacking hope) → "hopelessness" (the state of lacking hope). This structure exemplifies how English layers suffixes to create nuanced abstract nouns.
Examples

  1. Her face showed deep hopelessness after the failed rescue attempt.

  2. The prisoners lived in utter hopelessness, with no chance of release.

  3. Chronic illness can lead to feelings of hopelessness if left unaddressed.

  4. The documentary highlighted the hopelessness of refugees in war-torn regions.

  5. Despite the hopelessness of the situation, he refused to give up.