English dictionary



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English adjective: desperate

1. desperate arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope


SamplesA 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.


Synonymsdespairing


Similarhopeless


Antonymshopeful

2. desperate desperately determined


SamplesDo-or-die revolutionaries.
A do-or-die conflict.


Synonymsdo-or-die


Similarresolute


Antonymsirresolute

3. desperate (of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair


SamplesA desperate criminal.
Taken hostage of desperate men.


Similardangerous, unsafe


Antonymssafe

4. desperate showing extreme courage; especially of actions courageously undertaken in desperation as a last resort


SamplesMade a last desperate attempt to reach the climber.
The desperate gallantry of our naval task forces marked the turning point in the Pacific war.
They took heroic measures to save his life.


Synonymsheroic


Similarbrave, courageous


Antonymscowardly, fearful

5. desperate showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire


SamplesFelt a desperate urge to confess.
A desperate need for recognition.


Similarimperative


Antonymsbeseeching, imploring, pleading

6. desperate fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless


SamplesA desperate illness.
On all fronts the Allies were in a desperate situation due to lack of materiel.
A dire emergency.


Synonymsdire


Similarcritical


Antonymsnoncritical, noncrucial


English noun: desperate

1. desperate (person) a person who is frightened and in need of help


SamplesThey prey on the hopes of the desperate.


Broader (hypernym)unfortunate, unfortunate person


Narrower (hyponym)goner, toast









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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