desperation

[des-puh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. the state of being desperate or of having the recklessness of despair.

2. the act or fact of despairing; despair.

desperation

/ ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. desperate recklessness

2. the act of despairing or the state of being desperate

Word History and Origins

Origin of desperation¹

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

Synonym Study

See despair.

Example Sentences

These financial incentives, plus the prestige of being a national champion, have created a desperation among teams to find the best coaches out there.

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Keaton’s sorrow and desperation in this dark, gritty movie is palpable, making this a defining and heartbreaking part of her ouvré.

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Those returning say they are driven by desperation rather than confidence that it is safe.

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Mr. Leguizamo eases up on the ferociously funny clowning at which he is so expert to emphasize Nelson’s frantic desperation to avoid having to admit he has failed his family, numbing his anxieties with booze.

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Our critic said “At his best, Mr. Greengrass deploys his frequently used facility for establishing a documentary feel . . . to re-create the overwhelming desperation.”

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Related Words

• agony 
• anguish 
• anxiety 
• desolation 
• despair 
• discomfort 
• fear 
• gloom 
• grief 
• heartache 
• melancholy 
• misery 
• pain 
• sorrow 
• unhappiness www.thesaurus.com