B1adjectiveemotions
US/ˈdes.pər.ət/
UK/ˈdes.pər.ət/
needing or wanting something very much, or so worried that you will try anything
In context
After three hours on the bus, I was desperate for a toilet.
The flood victims are in desperate need of clean water and food.
He was so desperate to get the job that he lied on his CV.
Words that go with desperate
adjective + preposition
- desperate forSmall businesses are desperate for customers after the long lockdown.
adjective + noun
- desperate needThe village school is in desperate need of new classrooms.
- desperate attemptIn a desperate attempt to lose weight, she stopped eating dinner.
- desperate situationFamilies trapped by the landslide were in a desperate situation.
verb + adjective
- getting desperateWe were getting desperate when a taxi finally stopped for us.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I'm desperate with this job.Correct: I'm desperate for this job.