desperate

[ des-per-it, -prit ]

adjective

1. reckless or dangerous because of despair, hopelessness, or urgency:

   a desperate killer.

   Synonyms: frantic, rash

   Antonyms: careful

2. having an urgent need, desire, etc.:

   desperate for attention;

   desperate to find a job.

3. leaving little or no hope; very serious or dangerous:

   a desperate illness.

   Synonyms: grave

   Antonyms: hopeful

4. extremely bad; intolerable or shocking:

   clothes in desperate taste.

5. extreme or excessive.
6. making a final, ultimate effort; giving all:

   a desperate attempt to save a life.

7. actuated by a feeling of hopelessness.
8. having no hope; giving in to despair.

   Synonyms: desolate, forlorn

   Antonyms: hopeful

noun

1. Obsolete. a desperado.

desperate

/ ˈdɛspərɪt; -prɪt /

adjective

1. careless of danger, as from despair; utterly reckless
2. (of an act) reckless; risky
3. used or undertaken in desperation or as a last resort

   desperate measures

4. critical; very grave

   in desperate need

5. oftenpostpositive and foll by for in distress and having a great need or desire
6. moved by or showing despair or hopelessness; despairing

Derived Forms

• ˈdesperately, adverb
• ˈdesperateness, noun

Other Words From

• des·per·ate·ly adverb
• des·per·ate·ness noun
• qua·si-des·per·ate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of desperate¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin dēspērātus, past participle of dēspērāre “to be without hope, despair”; despair, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of desperate¹

C15: from Latin dēspērāre to have no hope; see despair

Synonym Study

See hopeless.

Example Sentences

"They are desperate for power at every single turn and will do anything to get it," Wolf said.

From Salon

A research vessel that investigates marine ecosystems has been diverted to help in the desperate search for the missing from Spain’s floods.

From Los Angeles Times

"Everyone says I'm a lucky charm," said the teenager, who is desperate for three more Premier League points against the Reds on Saturday.

From BBC

"But Julen Lopetegui's West Ham side are fragile too, so it is hard to make a case for either side to win, even though they are both desperate for a result."

From BBC

You can see the appeal for a kid desperate to escape the dull town where he grew up.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bold
• dangerous
• daring
• determined
• frantic
• frenzied
• furious
• violent