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
Years of economic dysfunction have left the country’s once-thriving middle class in a state of desperation.
—
Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Based on Spoelstra’s success in driving the Heat to and through the playoffs, nothing dramatic needed here, certainly nothing like the Knicks’ act of desperation with Thibodeau.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
Almost a decade later, seven weeks before the 2017 election, with Labour facing virtual annihilation, Ardern was thrust into leadership in an act of desperation.
—Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
The works were notional pastiches of real-world desperation.
—Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for desperation
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Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Based on Spoelstra’s success in driving the Heat to and through the playoffs, nothing dramatic needed here, certainly nothing like the Knicks’ act of desperation with Thibodeau.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
Almost a decade later, seven weeks before the 2017 election, with Labour facing virtual annihilation, Ardern was thrust into leadership in an act of desperation.
—Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
The works were notional pastiches of real-world desperation.
—Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 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 12 Jun. 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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