sense of desperation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of desperation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a feeling of hopelessness and despair. For example, "The people of the small town felt a sense of desperation as their jobs and livelihoods were threatened by the incoming factory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(c) "What we need most desperately is a sense of desperation".

The New Yorker

Blame a sense of desperation.

The New York Times

There was an overwhelming sense of desperation.

The New York Times

"You see a heightened sense of desperation.

The New York Times

"There wasn't a sense of desperation.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a sense of desperation on both sides here.

University of California, Berkeley

The sense of desperation was palpable, Ms. McKoy said.

The New York Times

"I definitely have this same sense of desperation.

The New York Times - Sports

"This shortage of desirable partners creates a sense of desperation.

The New York Times

"They had a sufficient sense of desperation," Olson said.

The New York Times - Magazine

The sense of desperation around the coalition government may be the clue to its significance.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "sense of desperation" with specific situations or actions to illustrate the cause and effect. For example, "A sense of desperation filled the room as the deadline approached."

Common error

Avoid using "sense of desperation" when describing situations that involve only mild anxiety or concern. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving genuine hopelessness and urgency. If there is still hope for recovery don't overstate the problem using "sense of desperation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of desperation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a state of feeling or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, indicating its established role in expressing intense feelings of hopelessness and urgency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of desperation" is a common and grammatically correct way to express intense feelings of hopelessness and urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it conveys a strong emotion, it's important not to confuse it with mild anxiety. Alternatives such as "feeling of despair" or "air of hopelessness" can provide similar but nuanced meanings. Using "sense of desperation" accurately can greatly enhance your writing by precisely capturing the depth of a character's or a community's dire situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of despair

Focuses more on the emotional state of hopelessness than the urgency implied by "desperation".

air of hopelessness

Emphasizes a pervasive atmosphere rather than an individual's feeling.

state of anxiety

Highlights the anxious aspect, potentially omitting the feeling of being without options.

feeling of panic

Stresses the sudden, overwhelming fear rather than sustained hopelessness.

urgent need

Shifts the focus to the need itself, removing the emotional context.

crisis mode

Implies a reactive state to an immediate problem, lacking the depth of despair.

act of desperation

Describes a specific action taken, rather than the underlying feeling.

last resort

Highlights the finality of options, not necessarily the feeling itself.

underlying anxiety

Understates the intensity, suggesting a background unease rather than acute desperation.

out of options

Highlights lack of alternatives, not necessarily desperation as an emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of desperation" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of desperation" to describe a feeling of hopelessness and urgency. For instance: "The refugees felt a "sense of desperation" as they waited for aid".

What are some alternatives to "sense of desperation"?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives include "feeling of despair", "air of hopelessness", or "state of anxiety".

Is it better to use "feeling of desperation" or "sense of desperation"?

Both "feeling of desperation" and "sense of desperation" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific context. They are perfectly interchangeable.

What kind of situations warrant the use of "sense of desperation"?

"Sense of desperation" is appropriately used in situations involving extreme difficulty, urgency, and a perceived lack of viable options. For example, a community facing economic collapse might experience a "sense of desperation".