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

So, clearly this is an act of desperation on the part of Russia. —CBS News, 10 Sep. 2023

Putin meeting with North Korea's Kim a sign of desperation? —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023

The cousins’ competitive depression is rivalled by that of a now dissolute Minister Payne, who at one point throws himself in front of a car in a characteristic show of desperation. —Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2023

Then again, that Angels move reeked of desperation at the potential risk of a player’s development. —Evan Grant, Dallas News, 7 Sep. 2023

Maryam al-Khawaja, who was previously jailed in Bahrain herself, said a hunger strike was an act of desperation. —Vivian Nereim, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Sep. 2023

The Padres picked him up in a fit of desperation after production at the position cratered. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2023

But this act of desperation turns out to be inspired casting when Gary proves to be a natural, good at thinking fast on his feet and adept at sinking into a character. —Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Sep. 2023

Florida committed three more penalties and turned the ball over on down twice in desperation. —Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Aug. 2023

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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