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Synonyms for

Desperate

Adjective / ˈdesprɪt / / ˈdespɜ:ɪt / Another word for desperate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Desperate means feeling or showing a sense of hopelessness or extreme need.

Synonyms & similar words

despairing heroic doordie dire hopeless futile dire critical urgent pressing grave serious extreme drastic frantic panicked anxious distressed miserable dejected despondent melancholy sad forlorn

Synonyms by register

Formal

hopeless dire grave critical

Informal

screwed in trouble up against it out of options

Literary

forlorn wretched anguished

Antonyms

hopeful optimistic confident calm composed assured content

Common collocations

  • desperate measures
  • desperate situation
  • desperate attempt
  • desperate plea
  • desperate need
  • desperate struggle
  • desperate for help

Word family

noun desperation
adjective desperate
adverb desperately

Usage note

Often used to describe a situation or action taken out of extreme need or hopelessness. Can sometimes imply recklessness.

Compare "desperate" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. She was desperate to find her lost puppy.
  2. He was so desperate for money that he started selling his belongings.
  3. The firefighters were desperate to put out the blazing fire.
  4. The mother was desperate to find a cure for her sick child.
  5. The team's coach was desperate for a win after losing several games in a row.

Quotes

  • 'Desperation is the raw material of drastic change. Only those who can leave behind everything they have ever believed in can hope to escape.' - William S. Burroughs
  • 'Desperate times call for desperate measures.' - Hippocrates
  • 'Desperation is sometimes as powerful an inspirer as genius.' - Benjamin Disraeli

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