desperate
Desperate (adjective) means willing to do almost anything because you urgently need something; driven by extreme need. Example: “She grew desperate for cash after losing her job.”
How to use desperate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo badly in need, or so hopeless, that you'll take any risk.
Don't confuse with "desperado" (an outlaw) — related in origin but a different word today.
Word forms
more desperate comparative, desperater comparative, more desperate comparative, desperates plural, most desperate superlative, desperatest superlative, most desperate superlative
Fill the gap
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").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for desperate
See all rhymes for desperate →Frequently asked questions
What does “desperate” mean?
The word “desperate” means willing to do almost anything because you urgently need something; driven by extreme need. In plain terms, so badly in need, or so hopeless, that you'll take any risk.
How do you pronounce “desperate”?
“Desperate” is pronounced DEHS-priht (/ˈdɛs.p(ə.)ɹɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “desperate” in a sentence?
Here is “desperate” used in a sentence: “She grew desperate for cash after losing her job.”
What part of speech is “desperate”?
“Desperate” is an adjective.
Where does the word “desperate” come from?
The word “desperate” comes from Latin. From Latin desperatus, "without hope" — built from de- ("without") and sperare ("to hope").
Is “desperate” a common word?
“Desperate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “desperate” have?
“Desperate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: willing to do almost anything because you urgently need something; driven by extreme need.
What is the difference between "desperate" and "hopeless"?
"Hopeless" means there is no hope at all, while "desperate" describes the frantic, driven state of someone acting because they urgently need something despite little hope. A situation can feel desperate precisely because the person still wants a way out.
What is the difference between "desperate" and "eager"?
Both express strong wanting, but "eager" is a positive, keen enthusiasm, while "desperate" suggests anxious, urgent need driven by difficulty or lack. You are "eager" to start a fun trip but "desperate" to escape a bad situation.
What is the difference between "desperate" and "dire"?
"Dire" describes a situation that is extremely serious or urgent, while "desperate" can describe either such a situation or the frantic person reacting to it. You might say "dire circumstances" and "a desperate attempt" to escape them.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include desperate: