desperation
noun
des·per·a·tion
ˌde-spə-ˈrā-shən 
1
: loss of hope and surrender to despair
2
: a state of hopelessness leading to rashness
Synonyms
Examples of desperation in a Sentence
She felt overcome by desperation.
the desperation of severe poverty
They hired me out of desperation, because they couldn't get anyone else.
Finally, in desperation, he tried to flee the country.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Fair Labor Standards Act paved the way for American teens to prioritize their education — and to work safer and more rewarding jobs during the summer months, out of a desire to gain experience or socialize rather than out of need or desperation.
—
Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 1 July 2024
One hypothesis suggests this mystery woman was a servant called to arms out of desperation to defend the castle against the order’s Muslim opponents.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2024
As desperation and lawlessness have taken hold inside southern and central Gaza — where most of the population is camped on rubble and beaches — the violent looting of aid vehicles that manage to leave Kerem Shalom has intensified over the past six weeks, aid agencies said.
—Miriam Berger, Washington Post, 24 June 2024
Peace can only happen by ending the hunger, poverty and desperation in the Gaza Strip.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for desperation 
Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 1 July 2024
One hypothesis suggests this mystery woman was a servant called to arms out of desperation to defend the castle against the order’s Muslim opponents.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2024
As desperation and lawlessness have taken hold inside southern and central Gaza — where most of the population is camped on rubble and beaches — the violent looting of aid vehicles that manage to leave Kerem Shalom has intensified over the past six weeks, aid agencies said.
—Miriam Berger, Washington Post, 24 June 2024
Peace can only happen by ending the hunger, poverty and desperation in the Gaza Strip.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for desperation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'desperation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near desperation
Cite this Entry
“Desperation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desperation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
desperation
noun
des·per·a·tion
ˌdes-pə-ˈrā-shən
1
: a loss of hope and surrender to misery or dread
2
: a state of hopelessness leading to extreme recklessness
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