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

In desperation, he fled.

Synonyms of desperation

• despair
• sadness
• 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

The three Jeffs, likely during a moment of desperation, made an agreement to split the winnings and invited Davis to join them. —Jonathan Odden, Artforum, 2 June 2026

Nearly one-third of California rentals offer discounts, though landlord generosity – or desperation, depending on one’s view – is higher elsewhere in the nation. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 1 June 2026

Not to be outdone, Vikingo hit a desperation crucifix driver. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

The Phillies still trailed, and the move reeked of desperation from Mattingly, who is desperate because his team cannot score runs. —Matt Gelb, New York Times, 31 May 2026

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

Rhymes for desperation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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