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
In desperation, he fled.
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
The trauma, the desperation for love.
—
Rachel Handler, Vulture, 18 May 2026
Her level of vulnerability and desperation increases as the story goes on.
—William Earl, Variety, 17 May 2026
On her third match point, Svitolina dug a ball out of the corner, chased one down near the service line, then charged the net and blocked the final ball past Gauff with a desperation stab.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Reaching out to former colleagues, mentors and old contacts is a strategic move, not a sign of desperation.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for desperation
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Rachel Handler, Vulture, 18 May 2026
Her level of vulnerability and desperation increases as the story goes on.
—William Earl, Variety, 17 May 2026
On her third match point, Svitolina dug a ball out of the corner, chased one down near the service line, then charged the net and blocked the final ball past Gauff with a desperation stab.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Reaching out to former colleagues, mentors and old contacts is a strategic move, not a sign of desperation.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for desperation
Cite this Entry
“Desperation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desperation. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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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