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

In desperation, he fled.

Synonyms of desperation

• despair
• sadness
• 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

But in the early 1970s, Hollywood was embracing sequels out of desperation in the midst of what was an extremely unhealthy distribution business. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026

In desperation, Shraddha took her to another hospital with lower fees. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Later in the film, after the separation of the father from the rest of the family, the color red comes to signify a sense of desperation. — Matilda Hague, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

Out of desperation, Ron seeks vengeance against Tecca, the company that made the all-important chair. — Barry Levitt, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for desperation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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