desperate Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun a person who is frightened and in need of help
   
   • they prey on the hopes of the desperate
2. adjective satellite arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
   despairing.
   
   • a despairing view of the world situation
   • the last despairing plea of the condemned criminal
   • a desperate cry for help
   • helpless and desperate--as if at the end of his tether
   • her desperate screams
3. adjective satellite desperately determined
   do-or-die.
   
   • do-or-die revolutionaries
   • a do-or-die conflict
4. adjective satellite (of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair
   
   • a desperate criminal
   • taken hostage of desperate men
5. adjective satellite showing extreme courage; especially of actions courageously undertaken in desperation as a last resort
   heroic.
   
   • made a last desperate attempt to reach the climber
   • the desperate gallantry of our naval task forces marked the turning point in the Pacific war"- G.C.Marshall
   • they took heroic measures to save his life
6. adjective satellite showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire
   
   • felt a desperate urge to confess
   • a desperate need for recognition
7. adjective satellite fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless
   dire.
   
   • a desperate illness
   • on all fronts the Allies were in a desperate situation due to lack of materiel"- G.C.Marshall
   • a dire emergency

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