Definition of desperation
1 : loss of hope and surrender to despair
2 : a state of hopelessness leading to rashness
From the M-W Editors
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 of desperation from the Web
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Sensing the desperation in my voice over the phone, my son-in-law stopped by and suggested starting over in a way that should have eliminated the problem.
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The men's ingenuity was as great as their desperation to escape from Alcatraz, now one of America's most popular tourist attractions.
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Wealthy women could potentially fly to a country where abortion was legal, but poor and young women were faced with unimaginable fear, desperation, and judgment.
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Residents say a crushing economic crisis is fueling the sense of desperation.
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The desperation was clear on Sunday morning when the Tigers revealed their batting order.
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The risk of blow back is all the worse today, given Yemen’s abject desperation.
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In desperation, Radow’s husband consulted a physician friend, who suggested testing for lymphoma — and the diagnosis was finally made.
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Minor and Jackson are just two faces of the food stamp program's impact on the Black Belt, but their stories illustrate the desperation of many government assistance recipients throughout the state.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'desperation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of desperation
14th century
DESPERATION Defined for English Language Learners
desperation
playDefinition of desperation for English Language Learners
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: a strong feeling of sadness, fear, and loss of hope
DESPERATION Defined for Kids
desperation
playDefinition of desperation for Students
: a condition of hopelessness often leading to recklessness
Learn More about desperation
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See words that rhyme with desperation Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for desperation Spanish Central: Translation of desperation Nglish: Translation of desperation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of desperation for Arabic speakers
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