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

Though the film doesn’t have an outwardly strong political message, it’s set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, adding an extra layer of desperation to O’Connor’s character. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 23 May 2025

And to think, that breakout had come entirely out of desperation for pitching depth. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025

Internet users can't get enough of the dog's desperation to nap, and the video has already gone viral with more than 171,500 views and over 25,300 likes on TikTok at the time of writing. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025

The look of desperation on Lloyd’s face is priceless. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 May 2025

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

Rhymes for desperation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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