Pronunciation: [lˈɒst kˈɔːz] (IPA) 
The phrase "lost cause" is spelled with the /l/ sound followed by the diphthong /ɒʊ/ (as in "boat") in the first syllable, and the /k/ and /ɔː/ (as in "saw") sounds in the second syllable. This results in the IPA transcription of /lɒst ˌkɔːz/. The term refers to a belief or effort that is doomed to failure or unlikely to succeed, and is often used in contexts such as politics or social activism.
The term "lost cause" refers to a situation, endeavor, or belief that is deemed doomed to failure or lacking any possibility of success or positive outcome. It represents a state or condition where prospects for victory, resolution, or achievement are virtually nonexistent or extremely slim.
The phrase is commonly associated with hopeless or futile causes, often characterized by persistent efforts despite insurmountable odds or a clear lack of support. It is usually employed to describe situations where any realistic expectation of success is devoid or where the efforts expended towards a particular goal are considered pointless. "Lost cause" can pertain to both tangible undertakings and more abstract concepts like beliefs, philosophies, or ideologies.
The expression often carries connotations of resignation, giving up, or realizing the pointlessness of continued pursuit, as it suggests that efforts put forth are in vain, having little chance of producing any desired or favorable outcome. The term can be applied to various contexts of life, including personal, social, political, and historical arenas.
In summary, "lost cause" signifies an endeavor, belief, or situation that is widely viewed as unwinnable or futile, conveying a sense of hopelessness and indicating a lack of realistic expectations for attaining success or favorable results.
The phrase "lost cause" is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century during the American Civil War. It was primarily used to describe the Southern Confederacy and its cause of preserving slavery and seceding from the Union. The term gained prominence after the war, especially in the postbellum era, to describe Southern sympathizers who mourned the defeat of the Confederacy and acknowledged that its cause was doomed. These individuals often romanticized the Old South and felt a sense of loss and nostalgia for a bygone era. Over time, "lost cause" also came to be used figuratively to describe any hopeless or futile endeavor.
