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desperate

adjective B2 Neutral

Meaning

The word "desperate" describes a state of having lost hope or being in a situation where one feels a strong need to take drastic action.
💡 A common mistake is to confuse "desperate" with "despairing," which has a slightly different meaning focused more on feelings of hopelessness.

Example Sentences

Are you feeling desperate about finding a new job ?
She felt desperate when she lost her phone at the airport .
She made a desperate attempt to finish the project on time .

Word in Context

Anna woke early because she had an important meeting and the bus schedule was uncertain . When her alarm failed , she became desperate and quickly packed her bag while checking the time every few minutes . She ran to the bus stop but the road was busy , so she decided to call a colleague to explain she might be late . While waiting , she practiced the first sentences of her presentation quietly on the curb . By the time the next bus arrived , she felt calmer and ready to focus on the meeting .

Common Phrases

desperate measures desperate situation desperate times

Synonyms

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