desperate desperate /ˈdɛspɝɪt/

adjective

1. () Arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope  ( despairing , desperate )
   arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
    A despairing view of the world situation
   a despairing view of the world situation
    The last despairing plea of the condemned criminal
   the last despairing plea of the condemned criminal
    A desperate cry for help
   a desperate cry for help
    Helpless and desperate--as if at the end of his tether
   helpless and desperate--as if at the end of his tether
    Her desperate screams
   her desperate screams
   
2. () Desperately determined  ( do-or-die , desperate )
   desperately determined
    Do-or-die revolutionaries
   do-or-die revolutionaries
    A do-or-die conflict
   a do-or-die conflict
   
3. () Showing extreme courage; especially of actions courageously undertaken in desperation as a last resort  ( heroic , desperate )
   showing extreme courage; especially of actions courageously undertaken in desperation as a last resort
    Made a last desperate attempt to reach the climber
   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
   the desperate gallantry of our naval task forces marked the turning point in the Pacific war
    They took heroic measures to save his life
   they took heroic measures to save his life
   
4. () (of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair  ( desperate )
   (of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair
    A desperate criminal
   a desperate criminal
    Taken hostage of desperate men
   taken hostage of desperate men
   
5. Fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless  ( desperate , dire )
   fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless
    A desperate illness
   a desperate illness
    On all fronts the Allies were in a desperate situation due to lack of materiel
   on all fronts the Allies were in a desperate situation due to lack of materiel
    A dire emergency
   a dire emergency
   
6. Showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire  ( desperate )
   showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire
    Felt a desperate urge to confess
   felt a desperate urge to confess
    A desperate need for recognition
   a desperate need for recognition
   

noun

1. () A person who is frightened and in need of help  ( desperate )
   a person who is frightened and in need of help
    They prey on the hopes of the desperate
   they prey on the hopes of the desperate