a desperate measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a desperate measure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action taken in a situation where there are no other options left, often implying urgency or extreme circumstances. Example: "In light of the financial crisis, the company resorted to a desperate measure by laying off a significant portion of its workforce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is something of a desperate measure.

The New York Times

It was a desperate measure, for a desperate disease.

The New York Times - Health

It was a desperate measure for desperate times.

The New York Times

Inside the emergency room John decides on a desperate measure.

The New York Times

"It is a desperate measure," said Ikram Sehgal, a defense analyst and a former army officer.

The New York Times

"We are doing it as a desperate measure to try to prevent people from dying".

The New York Times

Some officials in Costa Rica also favour this.In Ecuador, dollarisation was a desperate measure, aimed at staving off hyperinflation.

The Economist

Shorten said it was a "desperate measure by a floundering government … aping the policies of One Nation".

The Guardian

The agreement with Russia is considered a desperate measure to address the situation after months of the two sides refusing outright to discuss cutting production.

Independent

The LA Times reported that an anonymous Russian official said: "It was a desperate measure on [Mr Snowden's] part after Ecuador disavowed his political protection credentials.

Independent

At that meeting, Seward usefully suggested that Lincoln delay the proclamation until after a Union victory, so that it wouldn't look like a desperate measure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a desperate measure" to clearly convey that an action is being taken as a final option when facing dire circumstances. Ensure the context supports the sense of urgency and lack of alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "a desperate measure" to describe actions that are merely inconvenient or undesirable. Reserve it for situations where the consequences are severe and alternatives are truly limited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desperate measure" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically serves as the subject complement or object of a sentence, describing a specific action or decision taken in response to a dire situation. Examples in Ludwig show its use in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a desperate measure" is a noun phrase used to describe an action taken as a last resort in a critical situation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "a last-ditch effort" and "an extreme step". When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context genuinely reflects the severity and lack of alternatives. Avoid overusing it in situations that are merely undesirable. The high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources confirm its place in standard English vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a last-ditch effort

Emphasizes the finality and urgency of the action.

a last resort

Highlights that all other options have been exhausted.

an extreme step

Underscores the severity and unusual nature of the action.

a final recourse

Similar to "last resort" but may imply a more formal or legal context.

a drastic action

Implies a significant and potentially impactful change.

a measure of desperation

Rephrases to emphasize the state of desperation rather than the action itself.

an act of desperation

Highlights the emotional state behind the action.

a critical intervention

Implies a necessary action to prevent a negative outcome.

a salvage attempt

Suggests an effort to rescue a failing situation.

a Hail Mary

An idiom implying a low-probability, high-stakes attempt.

FAQs

How can I use "a desperate measure" in a sentence?

You can use "a desperate measure" to describe an action taken as a last resort when facing a difficult or urgent situation. For example, "Facing bankruptcy, the company took "a desperate measure" and laid off half of its employees."

What are some alternatives to "a desperate measure"?

Some alternatives to "a desperate measure" include "a last resort", "a last-ditch effort", or "an extreme step", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a desperate measure"?

It is appropriate to use "a desperate measure" when describing an action taken in a critical situation where all other options have been exhausted, and the consequences of inaction are severe.

Is "desperate measures" (plural) grammatically correct?

Yes, "desperate measures" (plural) is grammatically correct and can be used when referring to multiple actions taken as a last resort. For instance, "The government resorted to "desperate measures" to control the economic crisis."