B2nounemotionspsychology
US/ˌdes.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌdes.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/
a strong feeling of having no hope, which makes you willing to do anything
In context
In desperation, he sold his car to pay the rent.
She felt a growing sense of desperation as time ran out.
The look of desperation on his face worried everyone.
Words that go with desperation
noun + preposition
- in desperationIn desperation, she called her old boss for help.
- out of desperationHe lied out of desperation.
- sense of desperationA sense of desperation filled the room.
- act of desperationStealing the bread was an act of desperation.
adjective + noun
- growing desperationThere was growing desperation among the workers.
verb + preposition
- drive to desperationDebt can drive many families to desperation.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He did it with desperation.Correct: He did it in desperation.