desperately

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "desperately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the intensity of an emotion or action or when you want to suggest that the subject is almost frantic or desperate in their attempts. Example sentence: I desperately tried to find a solution for the problem, but nothing I did worked.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not people with experience in banking or business whom Labour desperately needs, but people who know how to build a political movement from the bottom up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Will the country defy the doomsayers and unlock the €7.2bn in held-up bailout funds it so desperately requires?

The Guardian

Allen said that the Italian navy's "desperately needed" search-and-rescue operation in the Mediterranean had saved thousands of lives and other European countries should be stepping up to share that responsibility with them, not shirking it.

The Guardian

Lawn laughs softly at the memory, an illustration of how this lifelong fan, whose first match was a 3-0 win over Southport in 1964, is retaining perspective despite a desperately trying period for him, his wife, Yvonne, and their five children.

The Guardian - Sport

By owning your own property, you get a say in planning law too – your objection to that new tower block counts for far more than the indirect, dissipated unease of all the people hunting desperately for somewhere affordable in the vague vicinity of their work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Greste has written two letters from jail, desperately trying to make the authorities understand that he is caught in "a political struggle that is not my own".

The Guardian - Opinion

Johan does, of course, survive, having desperately tried to prevent the deaths he knew would come.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One friend of mine (she's a natural size 0) is desperately trying to put on weight because she wants to be bigger and curvier.

The Guardian - Opinion

I desperately want Ed Miliband to win the election, but it would be wonderful to see Labour reach out to others in a "great moving left show".

The Guardian

Ed Miliband is right to set out plans to freeze energy bills because the market is not working properly and desperately needs reform, a former Tory Treasury minister and prominent businessman has said.

The Guardian - Money

Our brains try desperately to keep abreast of them, but chronically fail – not surprisingly, since the number of items we can hold in working memory, it's been argued, may be somewhere around seven.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "desperately", ensure the context clearly conveys the intensity of the situation or emotion. Avoid overuse, as it can dilute the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "desperately" in contexts where the situation isn't genuinely critical or intensely emotional. Using it to describe minor inconveniences weakens its impact and can sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "desperately" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to emphasize the intensity or urgency of the action or state described. As Ludwig AI suggests, it conveys a strong emotion or action. Examples show it qualifying verbs like "needs", "trying", and adjectives like "needed".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "desperately" is a versatile term used to intensify the meaning of verbs and adjectives, conveying a sense of urgency, anxiety, or intense need. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Its high frequency in News & Media underscores its widespread use in describing critical situations. While semantically related alternatives like "urgently" and "frantically" exist, "desperately" uniquely emphasizes the intensity of emotion or action. When incorporating "desperately" into your writing, ensure that it aligns with the gravity of the context to avoid sounding melodramatic. Overall, "desperately" is a powerful tool for emphasizing urgency and intensity, provided it is used judiciously and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Urgently

This alternative conveys a sense of immediacy and pressing need, focusing on the need for prompt action.

Frantically

This alternative emphasizes the chaotic and rushed nature of actions taken in a state of desperation.

Anxiously

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of worry and unease that accompanies a strong desire or need.

Earnestly

This alternative suggests sincerity and a deep commitment to achieving a particular outcome.

Intensely

This alternative focuses on the high degree of effort or emotion involved.

Sorely

This alternative indicates a feeling of great need or regret, often due to a loss or absence.

Critically

This alternative emphasizes the importance or necessity of something for survival or success.

Pressingly

This alternative highlights the urgent and compelling nature of a need or situation.

Gravely

This alternative indicates a serious and potentially dangerous situation that requires immediate attention.

Madly

This alternative suggests a wild, uncontrolled, or irrational level of intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "desperately" in a sentence?

You can use "desperately" to emphasize the intensity of an action or emotion, such as "I "desperately need" help with this project" or "She was "desperately trying" to reach him".

What words can I use instead of "desperately"?

Alternatives include "urgently", "anxiously", or "frantically". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "desperately wanting"?

Yes, "desperately wanting" is grammatically correct. It emphasizes the intensity of the desire. For example, "I was "desperately wanting" to go home after a long day".

What's the difference between "desperately" and "eagerly"?

"Desperately" implies a sense of urgency, anxiety, or near hopelessness. "Eagerly" suggests enthusiasm and anticipation. Use "desperately" when the situation is critical or the need is intense, and "eagerly" when there's positive anticipation.