desperate

adjective des·per·ate \ ˈdes-p(ə-)rət , -pərt \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of desperate

1 a : having lost hope

a desperate spirit crying for relief

b : giving no ground for hope

the outlook was desperate

2 a : moved by despair or utter loss of hope

victims made desperate by abuse

b : involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape defeat or frustration

made a desperate leap for the rope

3 : suffering extreme need or anxiety

desperate for money

desperate to escape

celebrities desperate for attention

4 : involving extreme danger or possible disaster

a desperate situation

5 : of extreme intensity

… a desperate languor descended heavily upon her, and she slept …
—Elinor Wylie

6 : shocking, outrageous

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desperateness

noun

See desperate defined for English-language learners

See desperate defined for kids

Examples of desperate in a Sentence

The collapse of her business had made her desperate.
As the supply of food ran out, people became desperate.
We could hear their desperate cries for help.
a desperate struggle to defeat the enemy
He made a desperate bid to save his job.
They made one last desperate attempt to fight their way out.

Recent Examples of desperate from the Web

Still, the brand has been in desperate need of new crossovers and SUVs as consumers abandon passenger cars, such as Cadillac's ailing ATS sedan.

— nathan bomey, USA TODAY, "Cadillac boss Johan de Nysschen suddenly exits as GM luxury brand struggles," 18 Apr. 2018
On that there is a desperate need to do more than what is being done at present.

— heather souvaine horn, The New Republic, "The Problem With “Cold War” Comparisons," 17 Apr. 2018
The goal in crunch time or when in desperate need of a bucket is to get the ball in the hands of your best offensive player to create.

— j. michael, Indianapolis Star, "How Pacers will attack and defend Cavs in 1st-round NBA playoff series, and vice versa," 14 Apr. 2018
The roster is top heavy, and in desperate need of depth.

— mac engel, star-telegram, "Unable to save the Dallas Stars, Ken Hitchcock retires | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 13 Apr. 2018
Those in desperate need of help have been advised to take to their rooftops, and to use sheets to attract attention.

— karen zurawski, Houston Chronicle, "Katy to host annual safety fest on April 14," 12 Apr. 2018
The Lions are in desperate need of talent and depth along the defensive line, both in the middle and on the edge, and Bryan is one of the top interior lineman in the draft.

— marlowe alter, Detroit Free Press, "NFL mock draft 2018: Mel Kiper's 'Grade A' picks for Detroit Lions," 11 Apr. 2018
Hollywood is in desperate need of a reset, and our five fresh faces are bringing it.

— julia felsenthal, Marie Claire, "Meet Our 2018 Fresh Faces," 11 Apr. 2018
Not only the rapes but all the sequelae: the agony, the bitterness, the self-recrimination, the asco, the desperate need to keep it hidden and silent.

— keith gessen, The New Yorker, "The Silence: The Legacy of Childhood Trauma," 10 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'desperate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of desperate

Latin desperatus, past participle of desperare — see ²despair

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

desperate Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of desperate

despondent, despairing, desperate, hopeless mean having lost all or nearly all hope. despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort.

- despondent about yet another rejection

despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency.

- despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration.

- one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation.

- the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

DESPERATE Defined for English Language Learners

desperate

adjective

Definition of desperate for English Language Learners

: very sad and upset because of having little or no hope : feeling or showing despair
: very bad or difficult to deal with
: done with all of your strength or energy and with little hope of succeeding