hopeful

1 of 2

adjective

hope·​ful ˈhōp-fəl 

1

: having qualities which inspire hope

hopeful signs of economic recovery

2

: full of hope : inclined to hope

hopefulness noun

hopeful

2 of 2

noun

: aspirant

Olympic hopefuls

Synonyms

Adjective

• auspicious
• bright
• encouraging
• fair
• golden
• heartening
• likely
• optimistic
• promising
• propitious
• roseate
• rose-colored
• rosy
• upbeat

Noun

• applicant
• applier
• aspirant
• campaigner
• candidate
• contender
• expectant
• prospect
• seeker

Examples of hopeful in a Sentence

Adjective

The mood is sad rather than hopeful.

He was hopeful that things would get better soon.

I still feel hopeful about the future.

She is hopeful of winning the race.

a hopeful tone of voice

There are hopeful signs that the crisis may end soon.

The movie has a hopeful ending.

Investigators report that there have been some hopeful developments in the case.

Noun

the three mayoral hopefuls are going to debate on local TV

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

That’s an indication both sides are hopeful a deal can be reached, and that talks are in the works. —Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025

Now, Biggio is hopeful to carve out a role wherever he is needed. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2025

Noun

It was exacerbated when Thompson left in free agency and as their young hopefuls proved not yet ready for such expectations. —Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

Among the 14 hopefuls to gain entry into the storied institution are eight first-timers, most of them with rock as their musical anchor. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1720, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hopeful

1 of 2 adjective

hope·​ful ˈhōp-fəl 

1

: having qualities which inspire hope

2

: full of or inclined to hope

hopefulness noun

hopeful

2 of 2 noun

: a person who has hopes or is considered promising