Desperate: meaning, definitions and examples

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desperate

[ ˈdɛsp(ə)rət ]

^{Context #1}

feeling

Feeling or showing a hopeless sense that a situation is so bad as to be impossible to deal with.

Synonyms

despairing, distressed, hopeless

Examples of usage

She was desperate to find a solution to her financial problems.
The family made a desperate plea for help.

^{Context #2}

urgent

Reckless or dangerous because of despair or urgency.

Synonyms

critical, drastic, urgent

Examples of usage

He made a desperate attempt to save the drowning child.
The situation called for desperate measures.

^{Context #3}

needing or wanting something very much

Having a great need or desire for something.

Synonyms

eager, impatient, keen

Examples of usage

She was desperate for affection.
He was desperate for a job.

Translations

Translations of the word "desperate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desesperado

🇮🇳 निराश

🇩🇪 verzweifelt

🇮🇩 putus asa

🇺🇦 відчайдушний

🇵🇱 zrozpaczony

🇯🇵 絶望している (zetsubou shiteiru)

🇫🇷 désespéré

🇪🇸 desesperado

🇹🇷 umutsuz

🇰🇷 절망적인 (jeolmangjeogin)

🇸🇦 يائس

🇨🇿 zoufalý

🇸🇰 zúfalý

🇨🇳 绝望的 (juéwàng de)

🇸🇮 obupan

🇮🇸 örvæntingarfullur

🇰🇿 үмітсіз

🇬🇪 უიმედო

🇦🇿 ümidsiz

🇲🇽 desesperado

Word origin

The word 'desperate' originated from the Latin word 'desperatus', which means 'given up'. Over time, the meaning evolved to convey a sense of extreme need or urgency. The modern usage of 'desperate' reflects a strong emotional state of hopelessness or urgency, often associated with a compelling desire or need for something.