as in hopeless
feeling or showing no hope
desperate cancer patients who are vulnerable to the claims of unscrupulous quacks
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of desperate
The Chargers aren’t desperate for fans, despite a narrative that says their move to L.A. was misguided.
—
Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
In a time when so many of us feel desperate for community and connection, this is a compelling narrative focus.
—Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 22 July 2025
But on a recent trip to the country, CNN was able to see just how critical the collection of programs previously funded by USAID were for Afghan people, the vast majority of whom live in desperate poverty.
—Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
But this went from an idea that was an automatic community win to an example of desperate nickel and diming.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for desperate
Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
In a time when so many of us feel desperate for community and connection, this is a compelling narrative focus.
—Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 22 July 2025
But on a recent trip to the country, CNN was able to see just how critical the collection of programs previously funded by USAID were for Afghan people, the vast majority of whom live in desperate poverty.
—Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
But this went from an idea that was an automatic community win to an example of desperate nickel and diming.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for desperate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desperate
Adjective
-
Even the hopeless Pirates have been going back and forth with themselves about their plans, Stephen Nesbitt reported last week.—
Alex Kirshner,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
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This creates a situation in which a challenge to the incumbents looks hopeless.—
Jim Nowlan,
Chicago Tribune,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Things will become much clearer once Jenkins — who is unhappy with his current contract is currently sidelined with a back injury — begins practicing.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
-
Galino is unhappy with how Jimenez is running his territory, and thinks Tommy can help the cartel get into the oil business.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
27 July 2025
Adjective
-
The sad reality is that Lucky really hasn't had all that much luck in his life to date.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
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These people have gone through hell, and so checking in sometimes is just equally as sad and devastating.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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But those expecting the administration to suddenly provide the guardrails and rules that have been sorely lacking in college sports in recent years will likely come away disappointed.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
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His formula: Randomly drop the flyer on social media, set a low enough price to get everyone to mentally buy into it, watch disappointed fans bemoan coming up empty-handed after waiting in the virtual queue, and prepare for who shows up for the party.—
Elise Brisco,
Rolling Stone,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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People are despairing over the Supreme Court and its deference to the president.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
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Alcaraz swung slice serves past a despairing Lehečka’s forehand, while the Czech’s deliveries leapt up off the grass, contorting Alcaraz into uncomfortable return positions.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
Rufus Sewell, with his piercing eyes and severe features, will costar in Pride and Prejudice as the dry, cynical Mr. Bennet, Lizzy's father.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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The fact that there is a developing crisis does not emanate from Israeli decisions, but from a cynical game played by Hamas and the United Nations.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
The prosecutors remained seated, subdued and by all appearances despondent.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
2 July 2025
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In May 2023, Kesha released Gag Order, a dark, despondent exploration of her trauma, with minimalist production from Rick Rubin and the image of the pop star with a blast bag over her head as its album artwork.—
Jason Lipshutz,
Billboard,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Ak’s heartbroken family are still reeling from her death.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
22 July 2025
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Faced with no other option, the heartbroken family surrendered Draco to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), despite having loved and raised him for over five years.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Desperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desperate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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