Meaning of Desperately
in a way that shows you have little hope and are ready to do anything without worrying about danger to yourself or others
In simple words: In a way that shows a strong need or desire.
Desperately in a sentence
- She looked desperately around for a weapon.
- **desperately ill/unhappy/lonely**
- He grew up **desperately poor**.
- They desperately wanted a child.
- He took a deep breath, desperately trying to keep calm.
How to use Desperately
Use 'desperately' to emphasize a strong feeling of need. It’s neutral but can sound emotional. Avoid in formal writing unless it highlights urgency.
Grammar pattern
desperately + adverb/adjective/verb phrase
Memory hint
Think of 'desperate' people reaching for a lifeline; they act desperately.
Related words
Collocations with Desperately
- desperately seeking
- desperately trying
- desperately need
- desperately wanted
- desperately hope
Synonyms for Desperately
- urgently
- frantically
- intensely
- eagerly
- desperately as an adverb
Opposites of Desperately
- calmly
- casually
- leisurely
Common mistakes with Desperately
- Omitting 'ly' at the end, saying 'desperate' instead.
- Misusing it in a casual context where a less intense word would fit.
- 'Desperately' is sometimes confused with 'hopelessly.'
Desperately appears in
Desperately in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
بشدة
بطريقة تظهر حاجة أو رغبة قوية.
- Bengaliবাংলা
বেপরোয়াভাবে, মরিয়া হয়ে
এমনভাবে যা একটি তীব্র প্রয়োজন বা আকাঙ্ক্ষা দেখায়।
- GermanDeutsch
Verzweifelt
Auf eine Weise, die ein starkes Bedürfnis oder Verlangen zeigt.
- SpanishEspañol
Desesperadamente
De una manera que muestra una gran necesidad o deseo.
- Persianفارسی
به شدت، از روی ناچاری
به شکلی که نیاز یا خواسته شدید را نشان دهد.
- FrenchFrançais
Désespérément
D'une manière qui montre un fort besoin ou désir.
- Hindiहिन्दी
बेताब होकर
इस तरह से कि कोई बहुत ज़्यादा ज़रूरत या इच्छा दिखाई दे।
- ItalianItaliano
Disperatamente
In un modo che mostra un forte bisogno o desiderio.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Desesperadamente
De um jeito que mostra uma forte necessidade ou desejo.
- RussianРусский
В отчаянии, отчаянно
Так, что это показывает сильную нужду или желание.
- Urduاردو
بے چینی سے، سخت ضرورت سے
ایسے انداز میں جو شدید ضرورت یا خواہش ظاہر کرے۔
- Chinese中文
拼命地, 绝望地
形容非常需要或渴望某事。
More words like Desperately
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
- AbsentC1
not in a place because of illness, etc.
- AbsorbB2
To take in a liquid, gas, or other substances.
- AbstractB2
based on general ideas and not on any particular real person, thing or situation
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Frequently asked questions about Desperately
What does Desperately mean?
In a way that shows a strong need or desire.
What is the definition of Desperately?
in a way that shows you have little hope and are ready to do anything without worrying about danger to yourself or others
How do you use Desperately in a sentence?
She looked desperately around for a weapon.
Can you give another example of Desperately?
**desperately ill/unhappy/lonely**
What are synonyms for Desperately?
Common alternatives include urgently, frantically, intensely, eagerly, desperately as an adverb.
What is the opposite of Desperately?
Opposite meanings include calmly, casually, leisurely.
What words go with Desperately?
It commonly pairs with desperately seeking, desperately trying, desperately need, desperately wanted, desperately hope.
What are common mistakes when using Desperately?
Omitting 'ly' at the end, saying 'desperate' instead. Misusing it in a casual context where a less intense word would fit. 'Desperately' is sometimes confused with 'hopelessly.'
How do you pronounce Desperately?
US: /["/ˈdespərətli/"]/, UK: /["/ˈdespərətli/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Desperately?
Use 'desperately' to emphasize a strong feeling of need. It’s neutral but can sound emotional. Avoid in formal writing unless it highlights urgency.
What CEFR level is Desperately?
"Desperately" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.



