Lost cause Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A 'lost cause' is a person or situation where success is thought to be impossible, and efforts to help are unlikely to work.
Usage & Nuances
'Lost cause' is informal and can refer to people, projects, or ideas. It's often used sympathetically but can sound negative or hopeless. Common patterns: 'a lost cause', 'it's a lost cause', 'trying to...' (e.g., 'Trying to fix it is a lost cause'). Avoid using for deeply personal matters without sensitivity.
Example Sentences
Helping him with math feels like a lost cause.
basic
After so many failures, the project is a lost cause.
basic
I think fixing this old computer is a lost cause.
basic
Trying to convince her to change her mind is a lost cause.
natural
Don’t bother cleaning the carpet—it's a lost cause after the spill.
natural
He keeps quitting jobs—everyone says he's a lost cause.
natural