Synonyms

desperation

American

[des-puh-rey-shuhn] / ˌdɛs pəˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

the state of being desperate or of having the recklessness of despair.
the act or fact of despairing; despair.

desperation British

/ ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən /

noun

desperate recklessness
the act of despairing or the state of being desperate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See despair.

Etymology

Origin of desperation

1325–75; Middle English desperacioun < Latin dēspērātiōn- (stem of dēspērātiō ). See desperate, -ion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Instead of joyful encouragement, the clapping felt like desperation in the arena.

From Los Angeles Times

Tuipulotu shone a bright spotlight on what he calls Scotland's "desperation" ahead of the Calcutta Cup.

From BBC

Millions of onlookers are attached to their screens, united in their desperation for any new breadcrumb in the case.

From The Wall Street Journal

Camille’s face is hidden in the darkness, but the desperation in her voice nearly breaks me.

From Literature

And with all the strength and desperation of his fear, Rowan hurled the compass at that white, tender target.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023