Dictionary entries for 'desperate'

Synonyms

des·per·ate (dĕśpər-ĭt)

[Middle English desperat, from Latin dēspērātus past participle of dēspērāre, to despair; see despair.]

adjective

Having lost all hope; despairing.
Marked by, arising from, or showing despair: the desperate look of hunger; a desperate cry for help.
Reckless or violent because of despair: a desperate criminal.
Undertaken out of extreme urgency or as a last resort: a desperate attempt to save the family business.
Nearly hopeless; critical: a desperate illness; a desperate situation.
Suffering or driven by great need or distress: desperate for recognition.
Extremely intense: felt a desperate urge to tell the truth.