desperation

noun

des·​per·​a·​tion ˌde-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce desperation (audio)
Synonyms of desperation
1
: loss of hope and surrender to despair
2
: a state of hopelessness leading to rashness
In desperation, he fled.

Synonyms of desperation

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Newcastle caved at the last reckoning, spent in desperation and laboured in the Premier League, finishing 12th. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The regime's risk tolerance may be increasing, but so is its desperation. — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Listen to how eerie the thing actually is, how the harmonies capture the desperation, panic and preemptive grief of losing a love to someone whose appeal is undeniable. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Ken was also aware of Manny’s money problems and his desperation to provide for his family. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desperation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of desperation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for desperation

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Browse Nearby Words

desperateness
desperation
despicability
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Cite this Entry

“Desperation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desperation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

desperation

noun
des·​per·​a·​tion ˌdes-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce desperation (audio)
1
: a loss of hope and surrender to misery or dread
2
: a state of hopelessness leading to extreme recklessness
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