desperate

USAGE SUMMARY

'desperate' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the word 'desperate' when you are referring to a feeling of despair or urgency. Example: She was desperate to find a solution to the problem.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's because, in the world of the media, women are tragic and desperate and sad, and men are caddish and free.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not always desperate for success in this tournament, it could be different this time.

The Guardian - Sport

Labour is facing a desperate battle to stop a Scottish National party landslide after a poll showed the SNP had a clear but weaker lead across Labour constituencies in Scotland.

The Guardian

Some desperate air travelers were getting out of taxis and hauling luggage the rest of the way to the airport.

The Guardian

Gary Oldman is a hero and she is desperate to work with Anthony Hopkins because he doesn't seem to, 'give a damn' about all that Hollywood stuff.

The Guardian - Film

We have become suspicious: of their mawkish advertising, of their treatment of farmers, of their desperate bids to package up things that really don't need packaging up at all (I mean this literally and metaphorically, versions of "restaurant-style" dishes being every bit as phoney and wasteful as apples wrapped in too much plastic).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As it does not involve search and rescue missions it will not be covered by British government policy which regards the rescue of desperate migrants as only encouraging others to make the hazardous journey.

The Guardian

In those desperate moments in late August, Ayman became another statistic, one of the more than 2,500 people who have died or are missing feared dead after trying to get into Europe across the Mediterranean this year.

The Guardian

Despite the impressive finishing, the game lacked finesse for long spells and McCormack almost capitalised on slack Wigan defending for a second time after latching on to a cross-field pass from Michael Turner, only for the striker to be halted by a desperate last-ditch slide from Emmerson Boyce.

The Guardian - Sport

Villani almost runs herself out off the last, but a desperate dive after being sent back by Jonassen is enough to see her home.

The Guardian - Sport

He's the American fantasy of our Prince Harry and, with his rolled-up shirt sleeves, he has a fondness for the lower classes and is desperate to lead a "normal" life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "desperate", ensure the context clearly conveys the intensity of the emotion or situation you are describing. Overuse can diminish its impact; reserve it for genuinely critical circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "desperate" to describe everyday inconveniences. Using it for minor issues dilutes its meaning and can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Use more moderate language for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "desperate" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of intense need, urgency, or despair. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, providing numerous examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "desperate" is commonly used to convey a sense of extreme need, urgency, or hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle writing. While its intensity should be considered to prevent overuse, understanding its connotations and proper usage ensures effective communication. Related terms such as "hopeless" and "frantic" offer alternative options depending on the nuance required. By employing "desperate" judiciously, writers can effectively convey the gravity of a situation or the intensity of an emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hopeless

Expresses a complete loss of hope, similar to the feeling of being "desperate".

frantic

Conveys a sense of urgency and agitation, like someone who is "desperate" for a solution.

dire

Indicates a situation that is extremely serious or urgent, reflecting the gravity of being "desperate".

anguished

Describes a state of extreme suffering or distress, similar to the emotional intensity of being "desperate".

distraught

Suggests a state of being deeply upset and agitated, akin to the emotional turmoil of being "desperate".

urgently needing

Focuses on the intense need or requirement, highlighting the pressing nature of a "desperate" situation.

gravely serious

Emphasizes the severe and critical nature of a situation, mirroring the critical aspect of being "desperate".

in dire straits

Idiomatic expression indicating a situation of extreme difficulty or need, comparable to being "desperate".

at wit's end

Highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed and without solutions, similar to the feeling of being "desperate".

with no hope

Directly states the absence of hope, a key component of the feeling of being "desperate".

FAQs

How can I use "desperate" in a sentence?

You can use "desperate" to describe someone feeling a sense of hopelessness or urgency. For example: "They were "desperate for help" after the flood."

What are some synonyms for "desperate"?

Alternatives to "desperate" include "hopeless", "frantic", and "dire". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I'm desperate to go"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It conveys a strong desire or need. You could also say "I'm "eager to go"" or "I "really want to go"", depending on the level of intensity you want to convey.

What is the difference between "desperate" and "determined"?

"Desperate" implies a sense of hopelessness and urgency, often driven by negative circumstances. "Determined", on the other hand, indicates a firm decision and resolve, usually driven by a positive goal. Someone "determined to succeed" might work hard, while someone "desperate for success" might take extreme risks.