desperation

noun

des·​per·​a·​tion ˌde-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: loss of hope and surrender to despair

2

: a state of hopelessness leading to rashness

Synonyms

• despair
• despond
• despondence
• despondency
• forlornness
• hopelessness

Examples of desperation in a Sentence

She felt overcome by desperation.

the desperation of severe poverty

They hired me out of desperation, because they couldn't get anyone else.

Finally, in desperation, he tried to flee the country.

Recent Examples on the Web

There are many aspects to it — the tumult and desperation of escaping Europe, the almost primordial economic momentum of post-war America, and the brutality, grace, and solemnity of Brutalist architecture. —Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2024

But with his life, and his family’s, on the line, Chicken’s desperation takes on a more existential tone. —Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2024

In other words, the state’s desperation has created an openness to unconventional ideas. —Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, 5 Sep. 2024

Lina, played with fire and desperation by Betty Gilpin, is an Indiana housewife and mom whose husband (Sean Meehan) won’t kiss her. —Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English disperacioun, desperacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French desperaciun, borrowed from Latin dēspērātiōn-, dēspērātiō, from dēspērāre "to give up as hopeless, despair of" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at despair entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

desperation

noun

des·​per·​a·​tion ˌdes-pə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: a loss of hope and surrender to misery or dread

2

: a state of hopelessness leading to extreme recklessness