adj.
Pronunciation: f ə r- ' lo ̇ rn, fo ̇ r-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English forloren, from Old English, past participle of forl ē osan to lose, from for- + l ē osan to lose ― more at LOSE
Date: before 12th century
1 a : BEREFT , FORSAKEN <left quite forlorn of hope> b : sad and lonely because of isolation or desertion : DESOLATE <a forlorn landscape>
2 : being in poor condition : MISERABLE , WRETCHED < forlorn tumbledown buildings>
3 : nearly hopeless <a forlorn attempt>
synonyms see ALONE
– for · lorn · ly adverb
– for · lorn · ness \ - ' lo ̇ rn-n ə s \ noun