desperate need

USAGE SUMMARY

"desperate need" is a valid expression that can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an urgent situation, one that requires immediate attention or remedy. For example: "The people living in the remote villages have a desperate need for medical care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a desperate need.

The New York Times

Siri voice command answered a desperate need.

The New York Times - Tech

"They were in desperate need," he said.

The New York Times

"There is a desperate need".

The New York Times

They're friends in desperate need.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was in desperate need of programming.

The New Yorker

"There is desperate need for new leadership".

The New York Times

One was his desperate need for greatness.

The New York Times

They are in desperate need of relief.

The New Yorker

And a desperate need not to offend.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

People are in desperate need of food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "desperate need," consider pairing it with a specific context to enhance clarity and impact, such as "a desperate need for clean water" or "a desperate need for medical supplies."

Common error

Avoid using "desperate need" in contexts that are not genuinely urgent or life-threatening. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic. Opt for milder terms like "strong need" or "significant requirement" for less critical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate need" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used to emphasize the urgency and severity of a requirement or lack thereof. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical validity and functional role. The phrase typically acts as the subject complement or object of a preposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desperate need" is a grammatically sound phrase widely used to convey urgency and criticality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It functions primarily as a noun phrase, often appearing in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations genuinely requiring immediate attention to avoid diluting its impact. Related phrases like "dire necessity" or "pressing requirement" can provide alternative ways to express urgency with nuanced connotations. Proper usage involves considering the context to ensure the severity of the situation aligns with the intensity of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dire necessity

Emphasizes the urgency and critical nature of the need, focusing on the potential negative consequences if not met.

pressing requirement

Highlights the urgency and importance of the need, indicating that it must be addressed promptly.

urgent demand

Focuses on the immediate and critical nature of the need, suggesting that it requires swift action.

critical want

Underscores the importance and severity of the need, suggesting that it is essential for survival or well-being.

acute shortage

Emphasizes the deficiency or lack of something essential, highlighting the resulting need.

grave lack

Highlights the severity and seriousness of the deficiency, indicating a significant need.

extreme urgency

Focuses on the time-sensitive nature of the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

crying need

Suggests a strong and evident need, often evoking a sense of pity or concern.

imperative necessity

Highlights the absolute requirement, focusing on duty or obligation.

vital requirement

Emphasizes how crucial and essential the specific need is.

FAQs

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

You can use "desperate need" to describe a situation where something is urgently required. For example, "After the hurricane, the survivors were in "desperate need of" food and shelter".

What is a synonym for "desperate need"?

Alternatives to "desperate need" include "dire necessity", "pressing requirement", or "urgent demand". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in desperate need of"?

Yes, "in desperate need of" is a common and grammatically correct construction. It emphasizes the urgency and importance of the need. For example, "The hospital is in "desperate need of" blood donations".

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

"Need" refers to something that is required or necessary. "Desperate need" implies a more urgent and critical situation where the lack of something has serious consequences, often related to survival or well-being.