Forlorn hope is a term used to describe a group of people or an action that is doomed to fail. It can also refer to a situation where there is little or no hope of success. Synonyms for this term include lost cause, hopeless endeavor, desperate attempt, and futile undertaking. These words all convey a sense of difficulty or unlikelihood of success, and emphasize the sense of desperation or difficulty in the situation. Other similar terms include a lost venture, a gamble, or a long shot. Regardless of which term is used, it is clear that the situation in question is one of great uncertainty and considerable risk.