English · Word Candidate

hopeful

/ˈhəʊpfl̩/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: hopefuls

Sense 1

Meaning · English

feeling hope

Adjective

I have been very hopeful.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

inspiring hope

Adjective

It looks hopeful that my father will be able to walk again.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Someone who is hoping for success or victory, especially as a candidate in a political election.

Noun

Several presidential hopefuls are campaigning in New Hampshire this week.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “hopeful” mean?

feeling hope

Is “hopeful” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.