desperately

adverb

des·​per·​ate·​ly ˈde-sp(ə-)rət-lē How to pronounce desperately (audio)
-spərt-
1
: in a way that involves despair, extreme measures, or rashness : in a desperate manner
struggling desperately
desperately crying out
2
: extremely, terribly
desperately tired
desperately important

Examples of desperately in a Sentence

all of a sudden everything went desperately wrong
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The San Diego Padres desperately need to add a left fielder at the trade deadline. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025 While athleticism and maximum effort are always evident with Volpe, the Yankees desperately need stability at shortstop right now instead of below-average performances accompanied by ongoing concerns at third base. Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 Twelve hours passed as the family desperately waited for news, hoping their relatives would return safely. Sarah Dewberry, CNN Money, 22 July 2025 Despite desperately searching, the couple eventually relocated without finding Minx. Staff Author, People.com, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for desperately

Word History

Etymology

desperate + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of desperately was circa 1547

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Cite this Entry

“Desperately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desperately. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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