desperation

noun

des·​per·​a·​tion ˌde-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce desperation (audio)
Synonyms of desperation
1
: loss of hope and surrender to despair
2
: a state of hopelessness leading to rashness
In desperation, he fled.

Synonyms of desperation

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Examples of desperation in a Sentence

She felt overcome by desperation. the desperation of severe poverty They hired me out of desperation, because they couldn't get anyone else. Finally, in desperation, he tried to flee the country.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These demands can become expensive, stressful, or embarrassing for victims, who, in desperation, turn to the internet for help. — Kim Key, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback dislocated his right thumb when his throwing hand hit Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman on a desperation pass on fourth down that was intercepted late in the fourth quarter of a 23-16 loss in Week 3. — Rob Maaddi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Such a gamble could deepen Israel’s insecurity, but electoral desperation seldom improves anyone’s judgment. — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 Another with a desperation throw out of the back of the end zone on fourth down. — ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desperation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English disperacioun, desperacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French desperaciun, borrowed from Latin dēspērātiōn-, dēspērātiō, from dēspērāre "to give up as hopeless, despair of" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at despair entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of desperation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for desperation

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Browse Nearby Words

desperateness
desperation
despicability
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Cite this Entry

“Desperation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desperation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

desperation

noun
des·​per·​a·​tion ˌdes-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce desperation (audio)
1
: a loss of hope and surrender to misery or dread
2
: a state of hopelessness leading to extreme recklessness
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