B2adverbemotionssociety
US/ˈdes.pər.ət.li/
UK/ˈdes.pər.ət.li/
in a way that shows you urgently need something or feel you have no hope
In context
After the flood, the villagers desperately needed clean water and medicine.
She searched desperately for her passport before the flight left.
He was desperately unhappy in his first job after university.
Words that go with desperately
adverb + verb
- desperately needThe hospital desperately needs more nurses.
- desperately tryHe desperately tried to catch the last bus.
- desperately wantI desperately want to see my family again.
adverb + adjective
- desperately poorMany families in the region are desperately poor.
- desperately in loveThey were desperately in love at twenty.
verb + adverb
- search desperatelyRescuers searched desperately for survivors.