desperately

adverb

des·​per·​ate·​ly ˈde-sp(ə-)rət-lē 

-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

Synonyms of desperately

• extremely
• terribly
• badly
• incredibly
• very
• too
• so
• really
• damn
• damned
• highly
• severely
• seriously
• intensely
• that
• greatly
• far
• especially
• wildly
• fiercely
• heavily
• much

Examples of desperately in a Sentence

all of a sudden everything went desperately wrong

Recent Examples on the Web

Because supply relationships take years to build, many firms may be absorbing the higher costs in the short term while desperately seeking cheaper alternatives. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026

For that reason, media attention can be both helpful and desperately wanted by families. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

Especially since the fearful Morwen desperately worries about what will become of her if the new lovers run off together. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026

And, the post-World War II Beltway communities such as Pikesville and Turner Station desperately need structured investment. —Zac Blanchard, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

desperate + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1