desperation
noun
des·per·a·tion
ˌde-spə-ˈrā-shən 
1
: loss of hope and surrender to despair
2
: a state of hopelessness leading to rashness
Examples of desperation in a Sentence
She felt overcome by desperation.
the desperation of severe poverty
They hired me out of desperation, because they couldn't get anyone else.
Finally, in desperation, he tried to flee the country.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sources close to Emery felt PSG’s desperation to win the Champions League could, at times, be all-consuming.
—
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
But most of the messages were laced with an unmistakable desperation about the precarious state of the country’s health care workers — and how no one was telling their story.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
All season, this group has been consistent in its desperation to make history and win a trophy for Spurs.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
During that period, Chelsea even made an opportunistic lowball bid for Isak to exploit Newcastle’s desperation, which was not entertained at St James’ Park.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for desperation
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Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
But most of the messages were laced with an unmistakable desperation about the precarious state of the country’s health care workers — and how no one was telling their story.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
All season, this group has been consistent in its desperation to make history and win a trophy for Spurs.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
During that period, Chelsea even made an opportunistic lowball bid for Isak to exploit Newcastle’s desperation, which was not entertained at St James’ Park.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for desperation
Cite this Entry
“Desperation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desperation. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
desperation
noun
des·per·a·tion
ˌdes-pə-ˈrā-shən
1
: a loss of hope and surrender to misery or dread
2
: a state of hopelessness leading to extreme recklessness
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