desperate

adjective

ˈde-sp(ə-)rət How to pronounce desperate (audio)
Definition of desperatenext
as in hopeless
feeling or showing no hope desperate cancer patients who are vulnerable to the claims of unscrupulous quacks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective desperate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of desperate are despairing, despondent, and hopeless. While all these words mean "having lost all or nearly all hope," desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration.

one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

Where would despairing be a reasonable alternative to desperate?

While the synonyms despairing and desperate are close in meaning, despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency.

despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

When might despondent be a better fit than desperate?

The words despondent and desperate can be used in similar contexts, but despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort.

despondent about yet another rejection

In what contexts can hopeless take the place of desperate?

The meanings of hopeless and desperate largely overlap; however, hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation.

the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of desperate The actress, comedian, and famously tough interviewer plays a no-nonsense bouncer at a party Allie and Owen are desperate to attend. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Aug. 2026 During the last round of internal fighting, the United Nations designated Yemen as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 22 million people – three-quarters of the population – in desperate need of aid and protection. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 Throughout the night, Allie and Owen’s paths continue to cross in the hotbed of lust sweeping across the Big Apple, leading each to wonder if they are truly meant for each other or just there to exist as the means for a desperate encounter. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Still, for desperate young workers, there are some ways to stand out. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desperate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desperate
  1. hopeless
  2. unhappy
  3. sad
  4. disappointed
  5. despairing
  6. cynical
  7. despondent
  8. heartbroken
Adjective
  • The hopeless romantic in me was shoved out of the way by the football fan.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The wartime mood among European and American intellectuals was hopeless, or, rather, in her estimation, helpless.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of hopeless
Adjective
  • Some Democratic board members noted that voters unhappy with Lukas’ performance can express their dissatisfaction in the 2028 election.
    — Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • When the motorcycle crew was unhappy with the drugs, Hinman and Beausoleil got into a confrontation.
    — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of unhappy
Adjective
  • Washington Post cartoonist Clifford Berryman quickly produced a cartoon showing Roosevelt refusing to shoot a tiny bear cub with big sad eyes and a rope around its neck.
    — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
  • These sad conventions; these American ways of being, pacing to the end of a block and back like hamsters.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of sad
Adjective
  • Extremely disappointed by the loss, Brunelleschi traveled to Rome to study ancient architecture, while Ghiberti gained wealth and prestige in Florence.
    — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
  • The Padres got to 4-3 in the fifth, but even that left them disappointed.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026
Definition of disappointed
Adjective
  • Smashed with the instep of Mbappe’s right foot, the ball arced viciously into the top-right corner, beyond Bounou’s despairing dive.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 9 July 2026
  • After 25 years, you'd be forgiven for thinking — despairing, really — that the formula for a perfect Scary Movie has been forgotten.
    — Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026
Definition of despairing
Adjective
  • The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has had a rough year, and in a cynical way, that makes for great TV.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This cynical and inhumane terrorist attack against children cannot be justified.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of cynical
Adjective
  • And what is perhaps most frightening, in those despondent moments that inevitably follow the exhilarating rush, is the realization that this enveloping abyss retains the imprint of our actions.
    — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Three years ago, Cat Cohen was lying in a hospital bed feeling despondent.
    — Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026
Definition of despondent
Adjective
  • Neighbors of the family told WABC they are heartbroken over the tragedy.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Followers were heartbroken that their idol had, potentially, signed away his creation.
    — Kyle MacNeill, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of heartbroken

Browse Nearby Words

desperadoes
desperate
desperately
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Desperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desperate. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of desperate for Spanish Speakers

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