Desperate | Definition, Meaning, Synonyms & Antonyms

Casting Light on The Word ‘Desperate’

Definition

Desperate is described as a state of extreme urgency, hopelessness, or despair. It conveys a strong sense of needing or wanting something intensely and urgently.

Extreme Need or Desire

When someone is described as desperate, it means they have a compelling and urgent need for something. It can refer to a physical, emotional, or psychological need. For example, a desperate plea for help, a desperate search for answers, or a desperate longing for love.

Urgency and Intensity

It implies a high level of urgency, often accompanied by a feeling of desperation or helplessness. It suggests that the situation is critical and requires immediate attention or resolution.

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Negative Connotation

It generally carries a negative connotation, as it is associated with feelings of distress, anxiety, or a lack of control. It can indicate a sense of desperation arising from a perceived lack of options or alternatives.

Risks and Extreme Measures

Desperation can drive individuals to take risks or resort to extreme measures in order to fulfill their needs or achieve their goals. Desperate actions may be seen as reckless, impulsive, or unconventional.

Expressions and Idioms

It is often used in various expressions and idioms. For example, desperate times call for desperate measures means that in difficult or urgent situations, extreme actions may be necessary.

Different Contexts

It can be applied in various contexts, such as personal relationships, financial situations, health crises, or other challenging circumstances. It can describe individuals, situations, or even efforts made to overcome difficulties.

Degrees of Desperation

Desperation can vary in intensity. People may be mildly desperate, indicating a strong desire for something, or they may be in a state of extreme desperation, where they feel overwhelmed and willing to do anything to change their circumstances.

Temporary State

Desperation is often seen as a temporary state, where individuals are driven by immediate needs or circumstances. Once those needs are met or the situation changes, the feeling of desperation may subside.

Support and Empathy

Understanding someone’s desperation can evoke empathy and compassion. Recognizing the desperation in others can lead to supportive actions, offering help, or providing resources to alleviate their distress.

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