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

Synonyms

• despair
• despond
• despondence
• despondency
• forlornness
• hopelessness

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

Its foreign minister in 2021 famously held a speech in thigh-high water to steer attention to the island's plight, expressing the feeling of desperation many in the region share. —Katharina Buchholz, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

With each match eliminating contestants in shocking and violent ways, the show features themes of human desperation and the lengths people will go to stay alive. —Jane Lacroix, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

On Wednesday, Demko made a point-saving desperation save late in the third period on Michael Carcone that was absolutely vintage, a reminder of his power and athleticism in the blue paint. —Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024

Set against the East Bay punk music scene in the mid 1990s, Wolves is a story of grit and dreams in a world of violence and desperation. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English disperacioun, desperacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French desperaciun, borrowed from Latin dēspērātiōn-, dēspērātiō, from dēspērāre "to give up as hopeless, despair of" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at despair entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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