hopelessness
die Hoffnungslosigkeit
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hopelessness
The state in which there is no hope for a positive change or a good outcome.
Die Hoffnungslosigkeit der Situation machte allen schwer zu schaffen.
The hopelessness of the situation weighed heavily on everyone.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Hoffnungslosigkeit |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Hoffnungslosigkeit | – |
| accusative | die Hoffnungslosigkeit | – |
| dative | der Hoffnungslosigkeit | – |
| genitive | der Hoffnungslosigkeit | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Hoffnungslosigkeit' (hopelessness) consists of 'Hoffnung' (hope), '-los' (-less), and '-igkeit' (-ness). '-los' indicates the absence of something, and '-igkeit' turns the adjective 'hoffnungslos' (hopeless) into a noun.
Die zunehmende Hoffnungslosigkeit belastete ihn jeden Tag mehr.
The increasing hopelessness weighed on him more and more each day.
Common collocations include 'tiefe Hoffnungslosigkeit' (deep hopelessness), 'völlige Hoffnungslosigkeit' (complete hopelessness), and 'ein Gefühl der Hoffnungslosigkeit' (a feeling of hopelessness). The word often describes a strong and long-lasting emotional state.
Nach mehreren Rückschlägen verspürte sie tiefe Hoffnungslosigkeit.
After several setbacks, she felt deep hopelessness.
'Hoffnungslosigkeit' (hopelessness) is often used with a genitive phrase that explains more precisely what this state relates to. Typical patterns are 'die Hoffnungslosigkeit der Situation' (the hopelessness of the situation) or 'die Hoffnungslosigkeit seiner Lage' (the hopelessness of his situation).
Erst später erkannte sie die ganze Hoffnungslosigkeit ihrer Lage.
Only later did she realize the full hopelessness of her situation.
'Hoffnungslosigkeit' (hopelessness) is often used to describe processes or states such as 'in Hoffnungslosigkeit versinken' (to sink into hopelessness) or 'von Hoffnungslosigkeit erfüllt sein' (to be filled with hopelessness). These collocations show that the state has a powerful grip on someone.
Nach der schlechten Nachricht versank die Familie in Hoffnungslosigkeit.
After the bad news, the family sank into hopelessness.
