26984 words

desperate

9 definitions • 19 examples
1
very serious or bad:

Examples:

desperate poverty
desperate shortage The refugees are living in camps, where there's a desperate shortage of food/supplies.
desperate situation The situation is desperate - we have no food, very little water and no medical supplies.
2
very great or extreme:

Examples:

The earthquake survivors are in desperate need of help.
He has a desperate desire to succeed.
informal I'm in a desperate hurry.
3
needing or wanting something very much:

Examples:

desperate for They are desperate for help.
UK humorous I'm desperate for a drink!
[ + to infinitive ] UK humorous He was desperate to tell someone his good news.
4
feeling that you have no hope and are ready to do anything to change the bad situation you are in:

Examples:

desperate attempt/effort The doctors made one last desperate attempt/effort to save the boy's life.
desperate measures Desperate measures are needed to deal with the growing drug problem.
desperate plea They made a desperate plea for help.
5

Examples:

This man is desperate and should not be approached since he may have a gun.
6
showing a willingness to take any risk in order to change a bad or dangerous situation:

Examples:

The ads are a desperate attempt to win last-minute votes.
7
A desperate person is willing to take any measures and may be dangerous:

Examples:

desperate criminals
8
very serious or dangerous:

Examples:

There’s a desperate shortage of medical supplies in the area.
The earthquake survivors are in desperate need of help.
9
having a very great need:

Examples:

She was desperate for news of her family.
I’m desperate for some coffee.

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