Desperate Definition

dĕspər-ĭt
adjective
Marked by, arising from, or showing despair.
The desperate look of hunger; a desperate cry for help.
American Heritage
Driven to or resulting from loss of hope; rash or violent because of despair.
A desperate criminal.
Webster's New World
Despairing; without hope.
Webster's New World
Offering so little chance, as for improvement, as to cause despair; extremely dangerous or serious.
A desperate illness.
Webster's New World
Having a very great desire, need, etc.
Desperate for affection.
Webster's New World

Origin of Desperate

  • Middle English desperat from Latin dēspērātus past participle of dēspērāre to despair despair

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin dēspērātus, past participle of dēspērō (“to be without hope”)

    From Wiktionary

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to desperate using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

Words Ending With

Unscrambles

desperate