forlorn
What does "forlorn" mean?
The word "forlorn" describes a state of being pitifully sad, abandoned, or lonely. The mental image is that of a person left behind in a desolate, empty place, or an object that has been forgotten and left to decay. It is a somewhat literary or descriptive term, often used to evoke a sense of sympathy or melancholy. You will frequently see it paired with nouns like "hope," "figure," or "expression," as in a "forlorn hope" (a desperate, unlikely attempt) or a "forlorn look" on someone's face.
"forlorn" in conversation
Checking on a friend
You've been sitting in this dark room for hours. Are you okay?
You've been sitting in this dark room for hours. Are you okay?
I don't know, I just feel a bit forlorn today.
I don't know, I just feel a bit forlorn today.
Used to describe a lingering, heavy sense of sadness.
Finding a lost item
Look at this old teddy bear under the porch.
Look at this old teddy bear under the porch.
It looks so forlorn covered in all that mud.
It looks so forlorn covered in all that mud.
Used to describe the pitiable appearance of an abandoned object.
"forlorn" in a sentence
The stray dog looked forlorn as it sat in the rain.
The stray dog looked forlorn as it sat in the rain.
She gave a forlorn wave as the train pulled away from the station.
She gave a forlorn wave as the train pulled away from the station.
Despite the forlorn nature of his circumstances, he refused to give up on his dream.
Despite the forlorn nature of his circumstances, he refused to give up on his dream.
