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 In another depressing week for the UK’s public broadcaster, there were more cuts, talk of even more cuts and programs scrapped, as the BBC’s desperate bid to make the books work continues under former Google EMEA chief Matt Brittin. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026 In this fast-moving case, the appellate court that ordered the grand jury report to be expunged subsequently refused the party’s desperate plea for a prior restraint gag order. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Iran is going to grow more desperate, which makes Iran even more dangerous. — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Wikipedia was a desperate attempt to salvage the project through crowdsourcing. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 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
  • On Monday, a day after the Colts lost to the winless and hopeless Tennessee Titans at home, Indianapolis announced that Ballard has been relieved of his duties as team general manager.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Colonel Brandon Herbert Nordrum Nordrum plays Colonel Brandon as a sad, hopeless yet smoldering sleeper suitor who can’t take his eyes off of Marianne.
    — Reshma Gopaldas, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of hopeless
Adjective
  • Many of the women in the packed courtroom gallery appeared unhappy when the sentences were rendered.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Andy’s view Almost 14 years into Xi Jinping’s norm-busting reign, just about everybody is unhappy with his economy.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of unhappy
Adjective
  • State Drive, an ugly black roadway, separates the Science Center and its new addition from the park’s Rose Garden, and serves as a sad connector to the rest of the park.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • As more details came out, the sad truth of Perry’s relapses and drug hustle emerged.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of sad
Adjective
  • Unfortunately for fans who had been eagerly hoping to see Skarsgård’s wicker member up close and personal in the film, they might be slightly disappointed.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Anyone hoping Luka's generosity would carry over to the concession stands inside would be sorely disappointed.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of disappointed
Adjective
  • Introduced in a state of drunken collapse, Anderson — fearful, bitter, despairing, protective — is quite magnificent limning different levels of intoxication.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of despairing
Adjective
  • Such flat, enervating filmmaking makes the whole endeavor a shockingly cynical affair.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • In her role for Klara and the Sun, Ortega is cheerful and expressive where Wednesday Addams is deadpan and cynical.
    — Alice Robb, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of cynical
Adjective
  • One of Craig Bartlett’s profoundest childhood memories involves a despondent turtle.
    — Darryn King, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Michigan fans looked dumbfounded and despondent at the Big House, watching what looked like the program’s first loss to a MAC team since 2008.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of despondent
Adjective
  • The woman never brought Melissa back, leaving a heartbroken Apantenco wondering what had become of her baby.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Mike Sweeney’s tutor Royals Hall of Famer Mike Sweeney was heartbroken to learn of Benzinger’s passing.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of heartbroken

Browse Nearby Words

desperadoes
desperate
desperately
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Cite this Entry

“Desperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desperate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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