adjective

desperate

DEHS-priht

adjective

Willing to do almost anything because you urgently need something; driven by extreme need.

"She grew desperate for cash after losing her job."

"The stranded hikers were desperate for water."

So serious or dangerous that there seems to be little hope; extremely dire.

"Doctors described the patient's condition as desperate."

"The refugees faced a desperate situation with no shelter or food."

Reckless because you feel you have no other choice; willing to take drastic risks.

"He made a desperate attempt to save the sinking business."

"They took desperate measures to escape the flood."

How to Use Desperate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo badly in need, or so hopeless, that you'll take any risk.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "desperado" (an outlaw) — related in origin but a different word today.

Common pairings

desperate for desperate measures a desperate attempt grow desperate

Word Forms

more desperate comparative, desperater comparative, more desperate comparative, desperates plural, most desperate superlative, desperatest superlative, most desperate superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

She grew _____ for cash after losing her job.

Etymology

From Latin desperatus, "without hope" — built from de- ("without") and sperare ("to hope").

Rhymes for desperate

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate

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