Synonyms for

Desperation

Verb / ˌdespɜ:ˈeɪʃʌn / / ˌdespɜ:ˈeɪʃɪn / Another word for desperation — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Desperation is a feeling of hopelessness or despair.

Synonyms & similar words

despair despair hopelessness distress anguish misery despondency gloom melancholy dejection discouragement defeatism resignation grief sorrow woe unhappiness sadness heartache pain suffering

Synonyms by register

Formal

distress anguish hopelessness helplessness

Informal

last resort out of options at the end of one's rope

Literary

abyss gloom despair

Antonyms

hope calmness confidence assurance composure optimism serenity

Common collocations

  • in desperation
  • act of desperation
  • desperation and fear
  • sheer desperation
  • driven to desperation
  • a moment of desperation
  • out of desperation

Word family

noun desperation
adjective desperate

Usage note

Desperation implies a state of extreme hopelessness and a willingness to do anything to escape it. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a loss of control or reason.

Example sentences

  1. She felt a sense of desperation as she searched for her lost cat.
  2. The family's desperation for clean water led them to walk for miles to the nearest well.
  3. His desperation to find a job led him to apply for anything he could.
  4. The team played with desperation in the final minutes of the game.
  5. The company's financial desperation led them to make some risky investments.

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
  • Desperation is like stealing from the mafia: you stand a good chance of attracting the wrong attention. - Douglas Horton
  • Desperation is the perfume of the young actor. It's so satisfying to have gotten rid of it. If you keep smelling it, it can drive you crazy. In this business a lot of people go nuts, go eccentric, even end up dead from it. Not my plan. - Uma Thurman

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