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desperation definition

des·pera·tion (des′pər ā′s̸hən)

noun

  1. the state of being desperate
  2. recklessness resulting from despair

Etymology: ME desperacioun < L desperatio

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

desperation Synonyms

desperation

n.

  1. Hopelessness

    despair, distress, despondency, depression, discomfort, dejection, distraction, desolation, disconsolateness, anxiety, dread, panic, anguish, agony, melancholy, grief, worry, trouble, pain, torture, pang, heartache, concern, misery, urgency, gravity, desperateness, exigency; see also fear 2, gloom 2, necessity 3.

    Antonyms hope*, hopefulness, confidence. *

  2. Rashness

    frenzy, recklessness, foolhardiness; see carelessness.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

desperation Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • convey: Don't apologize for your age, lack of recent relevant experience, and do not convey desperation.

Adjective modifier

  • sheer: In sheer desperation in the final quarter they had to rely on their fitness to pull them through edging us by 2 goals.

Preposition: into

  • determination: She has encountered seemingly impossible odds and overcome them and through her experiences she has learned how one can turn desperation into determination.

Preposition: on

  • part: Is this all just desperation on the part of marketers?

Modifies a noun

  • attack: Chose to attack on your next turn and the character should use their desperation attack.

Preposition: in

  • face: The confidence that permeates the book of Joshua has disappeared, replaced by a sense of desperation in the face of enormous obstacles.

Preposition: of

  • people: Their tragic deaths reflect the desperation of people as they seek a better life free of danger and persecution.
desperation usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

desperation quotes

Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine, but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos. The purpose shall be the revival of a working economy in the world so as to permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist.

-Marshall, George C(atlett)

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.

-Thoreau, Henry David

desperation quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"desperation." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/desperation>

APA Style

desperation. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/desperation

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