Desperation

Pronunciation: /dɛspəˈreɪʃən/

Definitions of desperation

noun a state of despair, typically resulting from a sense of hopelessness or urgency

Example Sentences

A1 She felt desperation when she lost her favorite toy.

A2 The refugees fled their country in desperation, seeking safety.

B1 The job seeker's desperation was evident in his persistent follow-up emails.

B2 The prisoner's desperation grew as his appeal was repeatedly denied.

C1 The politician's desperation to win the election led to unethical tactics.

C2 In the face of defeat, the general's desperation drove him to make a risky strategic decision.

Examples of desperation in a Sentence

formal The refugees fled their war-torn country in desperation, seeking safety and a better life.

informal She called him in desperation, asking for help with her car that had broken down on the side of the road.

slang I was so desperate for a snack that I ended up eating cold pizza for breakfast.

figurative The artist's desperation to create something meaningful was evident in every brushstroke of his painting.

Grammatical Forms of desperation

• plural: desperations
• comparative: more desperate
• superlative: most desperate
• present tense: despairs
• future tense: will despair
• perfect tense: has despaired
• continuous tense: is despairing
• singular: desperation
• positive degree: desperate
• infinitive: to despair
• gerund: despairing
• participle: despaired

Origin and Evolution of desperation

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'desperation' originated from the Latin word 'desperationem', which is derived from the verb 'desperare' meaning 'to be without hope'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'desperation' has retained its original meaning of being in a state of hopelessness or despair, but it has also come to encompass a sense of urgency or extreme need.