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Definition desperate in British English

desperate adjective

adjective
/ˈdesp(ə)rət/

▪ attempt, bid, effort, struggle

1

very worried and angry because you do not know how to deal with an unpleasant situation

Example

The missing man's family are getting increasingly desperate.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

done because you can think of no other way

Example

In a desperate attempt to escape, he killed the guard.

2

needing or wanting something very much

Example

They were sold by families desperate for money to buy food.

Example

She was desperate to see him again.

Synonyms and related words
3

extremely severe or serious

Example

the desperate plight of the refugees

Example

Parts of this school are in desperate need of repair.

Synonyms and related words
Definition desperate in British English