Meaning of the word desperate in English

What does desperate mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

desperate

US /ˈdes.pɚ.ət/

UK /ˈdes.pər.ət/

feeling, showing, or involving a hopeless sense that a situation is so bad as to be impossible to deal with

Example:

•

He was desperate for a job.

•

The situation is desperate.

Synonym:

hopeless dire critical grave serious

Antonym:

hopeful optimistic calm

undertaken as a last resort and offering little hope of success

Example:

•

They made a desperate attempt to escape.

•

It was a desperate gamble.

Synonym:

last-ditch reckless rash risky hazardous

Antonym:

calculated planned thoughtful

Related Word:

desperately desperation