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

But dropping the gloves can feel like an exasperating last act born of desperation and hopelessness - a door that slams behind you, leaves you in the dark and seldom reopens. —Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 2 Jan. 2026

In her desperation, Kraus had stumbled upon a sparky voice, at once brainy and risqué, hip and heartfelt; little seemed out of bounds. —Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

This is a pretty good definition of desperation. —Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025

Last year, Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan joined the Sporticast podcast to discuss the success of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and the thin line between creative marketing and absurd desperation. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2025

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