no-win

adjective

Definition of no-winnext
as in impossible

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of no-win Or has that become a no-win move? — Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026 This is a no-win situation because one of us will end up unhappy. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026 This type of agreement is not unheard of, according to Billboard, mirroring the no-win-no-fee model employed by some legal firms. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 Dec. 2025 The reality is that caregiving will frequently put you in no-win situations where no easy answer exists. — Kat McGowan, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for no-win
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-win
  1. impossible
  2. hopeless
  3. pointless
  4. lost
  5. unattainable
  6. worthless
Adjective
  • The technique has revolutionized neuroscience by opening up the brain's activity to scientists in ways previously impossible.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2026
  • These Chargers have 13 games left, and identifying potential wins on the remaining schedule is a nearly impossible task.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of impossible
Adjective
  • Johnston, who made his breakout performance as the toxically hopeless romantic Bear in Curry Barker’s Obsession, has most recently been in talks to join Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in the upcoming fourth installment of The Mummy.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For all the apocalyptic overtones in the film, Gibney doesn’t want audiences to come away feeling hopeless.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of hopeless
Adjective
  • Jo, who is still desperately trying to earn her orange back, and more power to her, brings Alexis over to Heather for another pointless conversation.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Storming a podium at a meeting of academics is a pointless performative act.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of pointless
Adjective
  • Somewhere in the heavens, these beloved instruments have formed a glorious orchestra—a cosmic symphony where every lost voice is restored.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Somewhere in the heavens, these beloved instruments have formed a glorious orchestra — a cosmic symphony where every lost voice is restored.
    — Billboard Staff, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of lost
Adjective
  • But, as Egerton concludes, the gains of the 1950s and 1960s would have been unattainable without the groundwork laid by this earlier generation of activists.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • If that feels unattainable, though, Baldino’s other spots are equally excellent and open to anyone.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of unattainable
Adjective
  • Matter is never worthless, but assigning it a price does not necessarily make its environmental and social costs disappear.
    — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Fraud tools aren’t worthless, but too many merchants discover their limitations the hard way.
    — Wayne Hamilton, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of worthless

Browse Nearby Words

nowheresville
no-win
nowise
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Cite this Entry

“No-win.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-win. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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