Synonyms of desperation

desperation

noun

ˌde-spə-ˈrā-shən 

as in despair

utter loss of hope

during the famine her desperation drove her to do things she wouldn't have normally considered

Synonyms & Similar Words

• despair
• sadness
• hopelessness
• sorrow
• depression
• melancholy
• agony
• misery
• despondence
• despondency
• forlornness
• oppression
• resignation
• slough of despond
• pain
• distress
• unhappiness
• sorrowfulness
• dejection
• gloom
• despond
• acceptance
• mournfulness
• joylessness
• self-pity
• gloominess
• dreariness
• blues
• dumps
• cynicism
• desolation
• pessimism
• blue devils
• doldrums
• dolor
• wretchedness
• woe
• mopes
• downheartedness
• self-despair
• dispiritedness
• disconsolateness
• woefulness
• dolefulness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hope
• hopefulness
• optimism
• cheerfulness
• cheer
• mirth
• glee
• joy
• elation
• ecstasy
• merriment
• exuberance
• gaiety
• joviality
• happiness
• sunniness
• euphoria
• jollity
• exultation
• exhilaration
• lightheartedness
• jubilation
• bliss
• rapture
• joyousness
• joyfulness
• gladness
• gleefulness
• mirthfulness
• blissfulness
• elatedness
• rapturousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of desperation

His physical charms distract companions from the desperation of his internal plight. — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026

There are many valid readings of this high-minded, heavy-handed modern drama of despair, desperation, love and survival instincts. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

In her desperation, Raq visits Flossie about getting an audience with Stefano, but Flossie coldly turns her down. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Quarterback Caleb Williams tried to thread a desperation end zone throw to Burden through three defenders with three seconds on the clock. — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026