desperate

The definition of desperate is something sad or hopeless, or a feeling of really wanting something or of trying really hard to make something happen.

(adjective)

An example of desperate is the feeling of sadness and like you have no prospects in life.
An example of desperate is the feeling when you really, really want a new car.
An example of desperate is an extreme attempt you make to get into a good school.

See desperate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

1. driven to or resulting from loss of hope; rash or violent because of despair: a desperate criminal
2. having a very great desire, need, etc.: desperate for affection
offering so little chance, as for improvement, as to cause despair; extremely dangerous or serious: a desperate illness
extreme; drastic: in desperate need
Archaic despairing; without hope

Origin: ME desperat < L desperatus, pp. of desperare: see despair

Related Forms:

See desperate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

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.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English desperat

Origin: , from Latin dēspērātus

Origin: , past participle of dēspērāre, to despair; see despair

Related Forms: