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Desperation: meaning, definitions and examples

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desperation

 

[ ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feeling of hopelessness

Desperation is a state of despair, typically fueled by a sense of hopelessness or urgency. It is a feeling of extreme distress and the belief that there are no other options available.

Synonyms

despair, hopelessness, urgency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
desperation

Desperation is used when someone is in a state of extreme distress and ready to take drastic measures. It implies a strong need for help or a solution.

  • In her desperation, she called every friend she had, looking for a solution.
  • The villagers' desperation was evident as they awaited rescue.
hopelessness

Hopelessness describes a feeling when there is no possibility of success or improvement and is generally used to convey long-term or chronic situations.

  • Feeling a sense of hopelessness, she didn't want to leave her bed.
  • The years of struggle led to a growing sense of hopelessness among the community.
despair

Despair is a deep feeling of hopelessness and absence of any expectation for a favorable outcome. It is often used in emotional or dramatic contexts.

  • He sank into despair after losing his job.
  • The news threw them into a state of utter despair.
urgency

Urgency refers to a situation that requires immediate action or attention. It does not necessarily carry a negative connotation and can be used in both serious and neutral contexts.

  • There was a sense of urgency in his voice as he called for help.
  • The project required urgency to meet the tight deadline.

Examples of usage

  • I could sense the desperation in her voice as she begged for help.
  • The desperation in his eyes was evident as he searched for a way out.
  • She acted out of desperation, knowing it was her last chance.
Context #2 | Noun

reckless behavior due to extreme need

Desperation can also refer to reckless or extreme behavior driven by a sense of urgency or extreme need. It often involves taking risks or making decisions that one wouldn't normally consider.

Synonyms

extremity, recklessness, urgency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
desperation

Desperation is used when someone feels hopeless or in a state of despair, often causing them to act irrationally or take drastic measures.

  • She called for help in utter desperation, not knowing how else to save her child
recklessness

Recklessness is used to describe behavior that is careless or lacks concern for the consequences, often implying negative judgment.

  • His reckless driving nearly caused a serious accident
extremity

Extremity typically describes a situation or action taken to a high degree or the utmost limit, often used in contexts implying severe or intense circumstances.

  • In the extremity of the cold, the mountaineers struggled to find shelter
urgency

Urgency describes a situation that requires immediate attention or action, often due to the importance or time-sensitive nature of the matter.

  • There was a sense of urgency in her voice as she explained the critical situation

Examples of usage

  • Their desperation led them to take dangerous risks.
  • He resorted to desperate measures out of sheer desperation.

Translations

Translations of the word "desperation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desespero

🇮🇳 निराशा

🇩🇪 Verzweiflung

🇮🇩 keputusasaan

🇺🇦 відчай

🇵🇱 rozpacz

🇯🇵 絶望 (zetsubou)

🇫🇷 désespoir

🇪🇸 desesperación

🇹🇷 umutsuzluk

🇰🇷 절망 (jeolmang)

🇸🇦 يأس (ya's)

🇨🇿 zoufalství

🇸🇰 zúfalstvo

🇨🇳 绝望 (juéwàng)

🇸🇮 obup

🇮🇸 örvænting

🇰🇿 үмітсіздік

🇬🇪 უიმედობა (uimedoba)

🇦🇿 ümidsizlik

🇲🇽 desesperación

Etymology

The word 'desperation' originated from the Latin word 'desperationem', which means to be without hope. The concept of desperation has been present throughout history, often associated with extreme situations or moments of crisis. It is a universal human emotion that reflects the depths of despair and urgency.

See also: desperately.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,262, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.