5K

UK//ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən//US//ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən//

Meaning of Desperation

A state of hopelessness or urgent need, often causing extreme actions.

In simple words: A strong feeling of needing something urgently.

Desperation in a sentence

  • In her desperation, she reached out for help.
  • His desperation led him to make unwise choices.
  • Desperation filled the room as they awaited news.
  • She felt a sense of desperation when she lost her job.
  • The team's desperation was evident during the final seconds of the game.

How to use Desperation

Used in emotional or urgent contexts. Suitable for both spoken and written English. Avoid in overly formal situations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'desperate' plus the strong feeling, like someone in urgent need.

Related words

Collocations with Desperation

  • feel desperation
  • act out of desperation
  • desperation sets in
  • desperation for help
  • in a state of desperation

Synonyms for Desperation

Opposites of Desperation

  • calm
  • contentment
  • serenity

Common mistakes with Desperation

  • Confused with 'desperate' - 'desperation' is a noun.
  • Used in contexts where 'desperation' is too strong, like minor disappointments.
  • Omitting the noun form when 'desperation' is needed.

Compare Desperation with Urgency, Anxiety, Distress, Despair

Desperation appears in

Desperation in other languages

More words like Desperation

People also search for

  • Desperation meaning
  • meaning of Desperation
  • Desperation definition
  • define Desperation
  • what does Desperation mean
  • Desperation means
  • how to use Desperation

Frequently asked questions about Desperation

What does Desperation mean?

A strong feeling of needing something urgently.

What is the definition of Desperation?

A state of hopelessness or urgent need, often causing extreme actions.

How do you use Desperation in a sentence?

In her desperation, she reached out for help.

Can you give another example of Desperation?

His desperation led him to make unwise choices.

What are synonyms for Desperation?

Common alternatives include hopelessness, urgency, anxiety, distress, despair.

What is the opposite of Desperation?

Opposite meanings include calm, contentment, serenity.

What words go with Desperation?

It commonly pairs with feel desperation, act out of desperation, desperation sets in, desperation for help, in a state of desperation.

What are common mistakes when using Desperation?

Confused with 'desperate' - 'desperation' is a noun. Used in contexts where 'desperation' is too strong, like minor disappointments. Omitting the noun form when 'desperation' is needed.

How do you pronounce Desperation?

US: //ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən//, UK: //ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Desperation?

Used in emotional or urgent contexts. Suitable for both spoken and written English. Avoid in overly formal situations.