hoped-for

IPA/ˈhəʊpt fɔː(r)/
IPA/ˈhəʊpt fɔːr/

hoped-for — adjective

1. relating to an outcome or situation that someone has been wishing for and believ

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

relating to an outcome or situation that someone has been wishing for and believes could become real

Example

The hoped-for rain finally arrived, saving the farmers' crops from drought.

attributive: hoped-for + concrete noun (rain)

Élise's hoped-for promotion came through after months of extra work.

Common collocations
  • hoped-for result
  • hoped-for outcome
  • hoped-for change
  • hoped-for improvement
  • hoped-for resolution
  • hoped-for promotion
  • hoped-for recovery
  • hoped-for rain
  • hoped-for victory
  • hoped-for acceptance
Synonyms
  • expected

    more neutral tone; implies likelihood based on logic or past experience rather than personal desire

  • anticipated

    slightly more formal; suggests mental preparation for an event

  • desired

    focuses on the wanting aspect without necessarily implying the outcome is realistic

  • longed-for

    stronger emotional tone; suggests deep yearning over a long period

Antonyms
  • unexpected

    opposite in terms of anticipation; something that was not predicted

  • dreaded

    opposite in emotional valence; something feared rather than wished for

Grammar Patterns

hoped-for + noun

be the hoped-for + noun

Usage Note

Most commonly used before a noun (attributive position). Can also follow a linking verb such as 'be' or 'seem', though this pattern is less frequent. This compound adjective is formed from the verb phrase 'hope for' and should not be confused with the adjective 'hopeful', which describes a person's feeling rather than the thing waited for.

Common Mistakes

The hoped for result was announced this morning.
The hoped-for result was announced this morning.
When used as a compound adjective before a noun, 'hope for' must be hyphenated.
The hoped-for students passed the exam easily.
The hopeful students passed the exam easily.' or 'The students hoped for good results.
'Hoped-for' describes an outcome, not the people who are hoping.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe something that someone thinks will or could happen, but with different emotional weights and logical bases. 'Expected' is the most neutral — it suggests a prediction based on evidence or routine ('the expected delivery date'). 'Anticipated' is slightly stronger, implying mental preparation or excitement ('the highly anticipated movie sequel'). 'Desired' focuses purely on wanting, without any claim about likelihood ('her desired salary was out of reach'). 'Longed-for' carries the deepest emotional tone, suggesting yearning over an extended period ('the longed-for reunion with family'). 'Hoped-for' sits between 'desired' and 'longed-for' — it combines wanting with the belief that the outcome is possible, making it more optimistic than 'desired' yet less intense than 'longed-for'. In a sentence: 'The hoped-for ceasefire gave diplomats a chance to negotiate,' compared with 'The desired ceasefire was still a distant dream' or 'The expected ceasefire was announced at noon.'

expected ↗anticipated ↗desired ↗longed-for ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Formed from the verb phrase 'hope for' (from Old English 'hopian' — to have trust or desire — plus 'for'), which was later hyphenated to serve as a compound adjective describing something that is the object of one's hopes.