Synonyms for

Desperately

Verb / ˈdespɜ:ʌtli: / / ˈdesprʌtli: / Another word for desperately — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Desperately means to do something with a sense of urgency, or with little hope.

Synonyms & similar words

urgently urgently seriously earnestly frantically fervently intensely ardently keenly passionately vigorously eagerly anxiously hastily speedily frenetically wildly crazily madly furiously hectic

Synonyms by register

Formal

hopelessly direly urgently critically

Informal

badly awfully really terribly

Literary

woefully piteously plaintively

Antonyms

calmly confidently securely assuredly optimistically hopefully

Common collocations

  • desperately needed
  • desperately want
  • desperately try
  • desperately search
  • desperately ill
  • desperately poor
  • desperately hope

Word family

noun desperation
adjective desperate
adverb desperately

Usage note

This adverb often describes actions taken in a state of extreme need or hopelessness. It can sometimes imply a lack of control or rationality due to intense circumstances.

Example sentences

  1. She was desperately trying to finish her homework before bedtime.
  2. The firefighters were working desperately to put out the fire.
  3. He was desperately hoping to win the game.
  4. The family was desperately searching for a new home.
  5. She was desperately trying to get her baby to stop crying.

Quotes

  • 'The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.' - Steve Jobs
  • 'It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.' - Marcus Aurelius
  • 'The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.' - Socrates

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